LAW’S OVERSIGHT

Evening Star, Issue 21631, 29 January 1934, Page 11

LAW’S OVERSIGHT

IRISH NIGHT LIFE 9 Irish publicans at Dundalk have foun4 a loophole in the law, and as a result ther* has been much midnight drinking in many parts of the Free State. Blackrock, a little seaside resort near Dundalk, about fifty miles from Dublin, is one of these places, says the ‘ Daily Express.’ Tho Sunday Closing Acts provide for. the opening of public houses on Sunday* up to 8 p.m., for the entertainment of bona fide travellers—travellers who have travelled more than three miles, and hav* not made the journey_ specifically for th« purpose of obtaining liquid refreshment. Some enterprising publican discovered ii) the course of the summer; when trade wa* brisk, that there was no law which prevented a licensee opening his premises a* early as he chose on Monday morning. So he closed his premises at 8 p.m. prompt, and opened them again at one minut* after midnight. .. The Civic Guards- were in a qutndary* They closely read all the licensing regula* tions, but found that the publican wa* within the law. s. - - *

Other licensed traders followed tho example, with the result that lively night life, developed at Blackrock. Some of the visitors deferred their visit unti the stroke of midnight and loft only in time for breakfast on Monday.

The local district'' justice has called for tho amendment of the, law. and it is probable that the Dail will shortly be asked, to rectify the omission of the law experts-