A Ballina publican who permitted the sale of alcohol to a minor was convicted and fined by Judge Mary Devins and ordered to close his premises for 48 hours.
At Ballina District Court on Tuesday, Inspector Joe McKenna outlined that on October 16 2009 members of the gardaí entered the premises of the Courthouse Hotel, Kevin Barry Street, Ballina, where an 18th birthday party was taking place in the Dock Bar. A 16- and 17-year-old were found consuming alcohol on the premises.
The licensee, Michael Moffitt, told the court that the hotel does not normally hold 18th parties and he even hired a bouncer that night to check ID and his staff were also informed to check ID.
Inspector Joe McKenna said that Moffitt has his licence for five years and “runs a good house”.
Judge Devins convicted and fined the defendant €500 and the hotel was ordered to close for a 48 hour period.
