Mohill bar gets a “chance” for after hours serving

Judge Patricia Cronin offered a Mohill bar owner a “chance” after his licensed premises was charged with selling alcohol after closing time. Adrian McCaffrey, Cornee, Mohill was charged with selling intoxicating liquor after hours at O’Callaghan’s Bar, Mohill on July 11, 2022.

Solicitor John McGuinness told the court his client was pleading guilty to the charge, all other charges were withdrawn by the state. The court heard Gardai arrived into O’Callaghan’s Bar at 1.28am on the morning of July 11, 2022. They saw 4-5 fresh drinks on tables and there were 15 patrons present.
The licensee Mr McCaffrey said he had been trying to get them to leave. Gardai said the patrons left after Gardai arrived and noted that closing time was 11.30pm that night.
Mr McCaffrey had no previous convictions, Mr McGuinness told the court that his client was a recent licence owner who had been hit hard by Covid restrictions. He said patrons had been into watch the All Ireland Semi Final between Dublin and Kerry and did not want to leave.

He added this “was not a regular practice” and asked for leniency. He also offered a donation to charity.
Judge Patricia Cronin told Mr McCaffrey to donate €500 to the charity Little Blue Heroes. The funds were handed in and she struck out the summons.