The issue of late night opening of takeaways in Ballina was raised at the Ballina joint policing committee this week. The JPC resolved to write to all the businesses in the town to see if an earlier common closure time could be agreed on. The issue was raised by Fine Gael councillor Barry McLoughlin. He told the meeting that there was one rule for one and one for another, as most takeaways had trading curfews included in their planning permission.
Most of the members of the JPC voiced concerns over public order offences that can occur late at night at takeaways when people have been drinking beforehand. Town clerk Carmel Murphy told the meeting that while the majority had curfews included in their planning permission some did not and there was not anything that could be done in that regard. Independent councillor Gerry Ginty told the meeting that this was an issue in Ballina for many years. “Even 30 years ago this was being discussed here, but I thought once they had their planning permission there is nothing that could be done about it,” he said.
Inspector Joe Doherty told the meeting that the gardaí could look for a closure order for a premises under public order legislation, but this would have to be the very last resort for the gardaí, and he would prefer the option of getting the local owners together and sorting out an agreed closing time. He also reminded the members of the JPC that these were businesses that were providing employment in the town. The inspector also told the meeting that gardaí do put a big emphasis on foot patrols in the areas of the takeaways when they are busy and will continue to do so.
The committee resolved to send a letter to each of the businesses in the hope of coming to a compromise. Mayor Mary Kelly told the meeting that she hoped the businesses would respond swiftly, otherwise a strong stance would have to be taken.
