Judge to rule on micro-distillery retail licence application

A JUDGE is to rule on Thursday whether a micro-distillery based in south west Mayo can sell take away whiskey, gin and vodka to tourists and other visitors.

If successful in its application for a retail licence, Lough Mask Distillery, based at Killateeaun, Tourmakeady, will be one of the first enterprises in the country to take advantage of new government legislation.

The recently enacted Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Act 2018 enables craft breweries and distilleries to sell alcohol on their premises between the hours of 10 a.m and 7 p.m., excluding Christmas Day.

At the District Court sitting in Castlebar today (Tuesday), Ms. Helena Boylan made an application to Judge Fiona Lydon for such a retail licence in respect of Lough Mask Distillery.

Mr. Dominic Hannigan, a director of the company, told Judge Lydon the distillery, which was set up in July of this year, has five full-time staff and one part-time employee.

So far, Mr. Hannigan explained, there have been 700 visitors to the distillery but they have been unable to sell any product despite strong demand.

The licensing application was to address that situation, Mr. Hannigan explained.

Ms. Boylan told the court there was no garda objection to the application.

Judge Lydon indicated that in the circumstances of the looming Christmas season she will deal speedily with the application.

She said she will deliver her ruling at the district court sitting in Castlebar this Thursday (December 6).