Dungannon pub owner fined for selling alcohol after hours

Edward Francis Donaghy, 69, of Cadian Road, Dungannon was charged with the offence in relation to an offence at his premises on March 15th this year.

A court was told how police observed a female going to the door of the premises on the night in question at around 1.30am and received alcohol from the door.

Police then conducted an interview with the defendant who was then charged with selling intoxicating liquor on licenced premises outside of permitting licencing hours.

Defence barrister for Mr Donaghy, Blaine Nugent, told the court his client was not working at the bar on the night in question but nonetheless pleaded guilty to the offence.

Mr Nugent informed the court his client had instructed that ‘business is very slow’ and ‘rates on the premises are high’ but has since instructed his employees that selling alcohol outside of hours was not legal.

District Judge John Meehan told Mr Donaghy: “This court deals week in week out, with the extent of alcohol in the early hours.”

Judge Meehan imposed fines totalling £1015.