Enfield publican fined for permitting smoking on his premises

An Enfield publican became “quickly infuriated” and asked “is this a joke?” when HSE officials arrived to inspect his premises under tobacco smoking regulations, Navan Court was told.

Publican Robert Brennan of The Slighe Mor pub in Enfield was prosecuted for permitting smoking on the premises and obstruction and obstruction of officials at 4.40pm on 20th September 2018. The court was told that a man was observed entering a structure at the side of the premises. He was lighting a cigarette and smoking it. Inside the structure there was a bench and three barrels, along with ashtrays.

The court was also told that when they approached Mr Brennan he quickly became infuriated and asked if this was a joke. He was aggressive while dealing with them, it was stated. He was later heard speaking in a loud manner at the front of the premises.

He had since been co-operative with the HSE. He had no previous convictions.

Solicitor William O’Reilly said that the Slighe Mor was a family business and Mr Brennan had been in the trade for 30 years. When the inspectors arrived on a Friday afternoon he had 40 customers on the premises and he acknowledged he expressed some views to the inspectors. His client could see no need for the inspection and there were some words exchanged, he added.

“We all know how badly hit the hospitality industry has been hit,” Mr O’Reilly said. "He is just about hanging in there. The hospitality industry is on its knees”. His client had gone to great lengths to improve the situation and he asked for leniency for him.

Judge Gerry Jones said that Mr Brennan’s behaviour towards the officials left a lot to be desired.

He imposed a fine of €1,000 with €2,350 costs on the charge of permitting smoking on his premises and allowed 12 months to pay. He also suspended him from selling tobacco products for three months.

Mr Brennan indicated through his solicitor that he would appeal the sentence.