Gardaí not consulted on new pub opening times

Opening an hour later on weekdays will be little help to small pubs that are struggling with rising costs and energy bills across the country, Cork city and County VFI chairperson Michael O’ Donovan said.

The general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) has expressed concern at proposed reforms of the licensing system for pubs and clubs which were developed without any consultation with the force.

Antoinette Cunningham said that the force was already under pressure with regard to its capacity to deal with policing issues and the change in opening hours for pubs and clubs could put further pressure, she warned.