Man who sold below-strength vodka is ‘the worst kind of publican’

A judge described a 49-year-old Clare man as “the worst kind of publican” after hearing that the man sold below-strength vodka to his customers.

At Kilrush District Court yesterday, Judge Patrick Durcan ordered that Michael Johnson shut down his premises, Johnson’s Bar on Henry St, Kilrush, for seven days. he was also fined €4,000.

The court was told Johnson bought 12 bottles of vodka for €144 from a man he did not know. The vodka was below-strength alcohol, with 33% strength as opposed to the regulation 37%.

Pat Moylan, for Johnson, said the publican had no previous convictions and that the incident was a one-off.

Johnson had pleaded guilty to not paying the appropriate level of alcohol tax on 14 litres of spirits on Jun 20 last.

Mr Moylan said the price Johnson got for the vodka was good, adding that it was not unusual for people to turn up at his or other publicans’ premises and sell products.

Mr Moylan said Johnson did not get an invoice or a receipt, or know the identity of the seller.

Mr Moylan said Johnson is married with two children, aged 9 and 5, and because his business has been unable to make ends meet, is due to close the pub at the end of February for commercial reasons.

He said: “It is an uncertain future for Mr Johnson, his children, and the staff who work there.”

Judge Durcan replied: “Mr Johnson bought drink from someone he doesn’t know, the quality he knew nothing about, and he shelled that out to his customers.

“In my view, he is the worst kind of publican you can find and not someone who in my view should be authorised to hold a publican’s licence.”

Judge Durcan said the week-long closure order would take effect from Tuesday, Feb 4.