Cork bingo-hall 'raid' action adjourned

An action arising from a Garda "raid" on a bingo hall in Cork city has been adjourned on terms including that if a Garda Supt wants to seek warrants against the bingo operator, he has to do so on notice to the operator.

Earlier this week Omega Leisure Ltd, trading as Rock Bingo Club, which says it is operating as an agent for a hospital charity under a valid lottery licence, secured a temporary injunction restraining Supt Charles Barry, the Garda Commissioner and the State from interference with its licensed activities.

The company brought proceedings after bingo books were seized by gardaí who after obtaining a District Court warrant earlier this week, preventing a bingo session proceeding at Deanrock, Togher, Cork.

It claims Garda Supt Barry, based in Togher is operating a "systematic policy" of ensuring gambling does not take place in his area.

The State, which denies any wrong-doing, wants the injunction discharged on the grounds including that it interferes with the Gardaí from carrying out their duties under the 1956 Gaming and Lotteries Act.

Today at the High Court Mr Justice Roderick Murphy in adjourning the action, agreed to list the case before a sitting of the High Court in Cork on November 21 next.

The judge added that if the State wished to seek warrants in the District Court against the Bingo operator, it would have to be done on 24 hours notice to Omega Leisure.