FLAW IN LAW

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1933, Page 7

FLAW IN LAW

INNS OPEN AT MIDNIGHT LIVELY TIMES IN IRELAND Irish publicans at Dundalk have found a loophole in the law, and as a result there has been much midnight drinking in many parts of the Free State. Blackrock, a little seaside reresort near Dundalk, about fifty miles from Dublin, is one of these places The Sunday Closing Acts provide for the opening of public-houses on Sundays up to 8 p.m. for the entertainment of bona-fide travellers—travellers who have travelled more than three miles, and have not made the journey specifically for the purpose of obtaining liquid refreshment. .;>m r j enterprising publican discovered in the course of the summer, when trade was brisk, that there was no law which prevented a licensee opening his premises at 8 p.m. prompt, and opened them again at one minute after midnight The Civic Guards were in a quandary. They closely read all the licensing regluations, but found that the publican was within the law. Other licensed traders followed the example, with the nesulb thaitj lively night life developed at Blackrock. Some of tile visitors deferred their visit until the stroke of midnight and left only in time for breakfast on Monday. The local district justice has called for the amendment of the law, and it it probable that the Dail will shortly be asked to rectify the omission of the law experts.