skip to main content

Judge rejects Sligo bring-your-own-alcohol nightclub event application

The nightclub wanted to allow people bring in up to six cans and 500ml spirits
The nightclub wanted to allow people bring in up to six cans and 500ml spirits

A judge has described a plan to allow patrons of a nightclub in Sligo to bring their own alcohol into the venue as crazy.

District Court Judge Kevin Kilraine rejected an application by Daniel McGarrigle for an event at his nightclub, 6th on Teeling, for Thursday next which advertised that patrons would be allowed to bring in six cans of alcohol, 500mls of spirits and unlimited mixers.

During the hearing, Mr McGarrigle said he would reduce the amount to just four cans and said there would be extra security on the night.

He told the judge that the nature of the publican's business has changed and the biggest competition now is house parties and off licences and he was trying to be innovative to counteract this.

Garda Inspector Paul Kilcoune objected to the application, raising concerns about the amount and quality of the drink involved and the potential consequences.

Judge Kilraine said the concept was wrong from beginning to end and rather than being novel, it was a desperate scheme which would be impossible to police.

Mr McGarrigle said he had paid a €14,000 non-refundable fee for the act booked for Thursday and asked for a normal exemption for the event instead.

The judge said he would consider that application tomorrow when he is shown what is going to be on the nightclub's website to make it clear to patrons that this would not be a bring-your-own drink event.