A Falcarragh pub-owner has been fined €750 for having a group of teachers on his premises after hours.
Publican Alex Hamilton appeared before Falcarragh District Court charged with a breach of the licensing laws.
The court heard that when Gardai called to The Loft Bar in Falcarragh on May 30th last year they found a group of teachers drinking after hours.
Solicitor Fiona Brown told the court that the teachers had been at an end–of-term mass and had been out celebrating.
Ms Brown said her client found it difficult to get the teachers off the premises and actually told Gardai he was thankful they had arrived.
Judge Conal Gibbons said it was the first time he had heard of a publican blaming his clients.
“Doesn’t he know that the customer is always right.
“I have always found the teaching profession to be most compliant and law-abiding,” he said.
Judge Gibbons said he also noticed that Mr Hamilton had a “terrible record” when it came to licensing matters.
“It’s the publican’s job – that’s what’s called keeping your house in order. He is obliged to keep his house in order. There is no point in him blaming his customers,” added Judge Gibbons.
He warned Ms Brown that her client could put his license in jeopardy if he came before the court again on licensing matters.
He fined Hamilton €750.