A Co Cork publican who said he broke the smoking ban in order to try to save his business has had sentencing in his case adjourned for a year to see if he will mend his ways.
John O'Shaughnessy of the Coachman's Inn in Coachford had pleaded guilty to two breaches of the legislation.
He told the court he took over the pub in March and is on the verge of being taken over by the banks.
When the ban came in he allowed people to smoke herbal cigarettes but he said it got out of control.
The court was told that on foot of several complaints, the Southern Health Board had called to the pub on six occasions from March to July of this year and found people smoking.
It was only when they threatened to object to the renewal of his licence in September that Mr O'Shaughnessy gave a commitment to mend his ways.
At today's licence renewal hearing, his solicitor P J O'Leary said his client is very remorseful. He said this was not a protest but that his client was under financial pressure to make money.
Judge James O'Connor said it would be totally against the spirit of the law if it put this man out of business.
He adjourned sentencing in the case until 26 September next year to see if the publican abides by the ban.
