Pubs have been warned to adhere to the requirements of their entertainment licence
PUBS IN Enniskillen were this week warned over adhering to late licensing laws – with local police closing a number of pubs early on Friday night.
Current legislation indicates that those with an entertainment licence are permitted to open until 1.30am as long as live music is provided. Without music, it’s 11.30pm.
Officers searching a number of bars in the town, however, were forced to warn publicans and tell them to close early as they were not providing live music.
Police inspector Roy Robinson indicated that he had a good relationship with publicans – and was simply ensuring that all pubs were operating on an even keel.
“I was out, there were a few premises warned in relation to not providing live entertainment.
They simply closed their doors and received a warning.”
Inspector Robinson added that ‘should there be any future breaching, that warning will be brought into play’.
He said that the pubs in questions closed their premises shortly after 11.30pm.
“Police are focusing on this where those who have live entertainment, it’s fine, but those who don’t have, police are looking at closely.
“There are those who are paying for entertainment. Speaking to premises who are providing live entertainment, they would say its unfair for them to pay and others not.
He added: “I am being fair to everybody.”
Inspector Robinson said that there is ‘generally a good working relationship’.
“Those with live entertainment go on longer, and the others close when they should. They just need the odd reminder.”
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