Funferal

Alcohol-free events in breach of alcohol licensing laws?

An amazing story in the Irish Times reveals that publicans are being raided, and prosecuted, for running alcohol-free events for teenagers. Is it because alcohol is actually being served, or because teenagers are bringing in their own drink? No, it’s because of a strict interpretation of the (recently enacted) law that those under 18 are not allowed on licensed premises after 9pm.
This is just crazy. These are publicans providing a social outlet to teenagers, in a safe, supervised, environment. Apart from the question as to whether the law is being actually breached (if the bar is shuttered, is it a bar?) this is the sort of event that should be supported by the Gardaí, or so one would think. Wow.