Gardai in Co Donegal have launched a bid to stop revelers drinking on Christmas night.
Donegal drinkers could be left thirsty on Christmas night!
While pubs across the county are closed on December 25th, many nightclubs traditionally open especially at midnight for festive party-goers.
However Gardai locally have objected to a number of applications for special exemption orders for bar licenses.
Garda Inspector David Kelly told Letterkenny District Court today that they were objecting to the granting of such licenses.
Inspector Kelly said Gardai were objecting because of the lack of public transport and taxis on Christmas night and the history of public order offences.
“There is a history of public order at this time and combined with the lack of public transport, we have concerns if these licenses are granted,” he said.
Solicitor Patsy Gallagher said he thought the Garda application was unreasonable.
A number of special license applications on behalf of nightclubs and hotels including Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey and Rooney’s Nightclub in Dunfanaghy were brought.
Judge Paul Kelly said he shared the Inspector’s concerns.
He said he will review the matter and all applications were adjourned until December 19th.