ChristopherP
11th September 2008, 15:06
Owners of pubs and restaurants in the Republic of Ireland, or people considering entering such businesses in the RoI, may be interested in the ruling of Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court this week. You'll need to keep your eyes open to see if her judgement is upheld.
There are two sets of laws in Ireland relating to drinking and selling alcohol during the Easter period. On Good Friday in the Republic all the pubs lock their doors, and restaurants lock up the drink. This year nine Galway restaurants decided to allow their customers to have wine with their meals.
The State and Gardai took action against the restaurants. The case was heard by Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court on Tuesday of this week. Judge Fahy decided that people were entitled to have wine with their meals - even on Good Friday - and she branded the prosecutions brought by Galway gardaí as "ludicrous" and "ridiculous" in today's world. The Judge commented that she was probably leaving herself open to judicial review by the State for taking such a stance, but said she doesn't mind if that happens and she has no objections to a review.
The law in Northern Ireland states that Licensed Premises may open at 5.00pm on Good Friday but must close at 11.00pm whilst off licences may open at 8.00am and close at 11.00pm
There are two sets of laws in Ireland relating to drinking and selling alcohol during the Easter period. On Good Friday in the Republic all the pubs lock their doors, and restaurants lock up the drink. This year nine Galway restaurants decided to allow their customers to have wine with their meals.
The State and Gardai took action against the restaurants. The case was heard by Judge Mary Fahy at Galway District Court on Tuesday of this week. Judge Fahy decided that people were entitled to have wine with their meals - even on Good Friday - and she branded the prosecutions brought by Galway gardaí as "ludicrous" and "ridiculous" in today's world. The Judge commented that she was probably leaving herself open to judicial review by the State for taking such a stance, but said she doesn't mind if that happens and she has no objections to a review.
The law in Northern Ireland states that Licensed Premises may open at 5.00pm on Good Friday but must close at 11.00pm whilst off licences may open at 8.00am and close at 11.00pm