Mayo archives: Publicans did not consider running hot water a priority in 1964

By Tom Gillespie

IT is hard to believe with today’s modern super and gastro pubs and the strict hygiene regulations that just 62 years ago health inspectors had to undertake a blitz across Mayo to get bar owners to provide toilets for female customers, improve hygiene and to have running hot water in their premises.

An ultimatum was issued by health inspectors to almost 800 publicans that objections would be lodged to the renewal of their publicans’ licences if the necessary works were not undertaken.

In October 1964 health inspectors undertook a 15-month survey of almost 800 public houses in Co. Mayo.

They were shocked to find that ‘a very high proportion’ of the 200 pubs already inspected were not up to the proper standard.

The Connaught Telegraph highlighted the probe with the headline 'Pubs told: wake up or else!'

The offenders were warned that unless they improved their premises the Mayo Health Department would object to the renewal of their licences at the renewal sitting in September 1965.

The ultimatum was described by some publicans as ‘blackmail’ and by others as ‘an idle threat’.

The survey, which began in July 1964, the article said, would take another year to complete, and showed ‘a lack of hygiene’ in over 80 per cent of the pubs in Castlebar, Westport, Ballyhaunis and Killala.

In some premises, inspectors reported, there was not even a toilet, while in the majority there was no hot water for washing glasses.

Publicans were also warned then that they must provide proper ventilation, ladies toilets, proper flooring and counters, clean aprons and towels for bar staff - or perhaps lose their licences.

Bar staff were told by the health authority: “We will hold you responsible for unhygienic practices such as depositing dregs in over-spill pans, allowing bottle-necks to come in contact with drink, or handling glasses by the drinking rim.”

And glasses used for draught beer can’t be used a second time without first being washed, they were told.

Dr. Richard Stokes, Mayo Medical Officer, said: “It is high time these new standards were introduced.

“Most of the pubs already inspected have no hot water. This, coupled with the lack of proper sanitary accommodation, are the two major defects we have found.

“In fact less that 20 per cent of the premises inspected are up to the required standard.

“This is the first time the health authorities have the power to object to the renewal of licences, and if the other 80 plus per cent don’t improve we will definitely object next September.”

Connaught Telegraph reporters in Westport, Ballyhaunis, Ballina and Castlebar sought the views of publicans on the health authority’s ultimatum.

One of their surprising findings was that bar owners did not consider the provision of running hot water as a priority.

In Westport, most publicans didn’t approve of the health authority’s move.

Mr. Jim McGuire, secretary of Westport Licensed Vintners’ Association, said: “Many members feel the installation of hot water is unnecessary. After all, glasses are sterilised once a week, and regularly washed with cold water.

“And, as regards the health authority objecting to licence renewals, that is a idle threat. They would not have a leg to stand on.”

Westport publican Martin McGreal described the ultimatum as ‘nothing short of blackmail’.

He added: “There is great resentment in Westport about these new regulations, which we feel are too strict. Many publicans say they will not carry out any alterations.”

Another Westport publican complained: “I have an outside toilet in perfect order, but I have been told I must have a urinal as well. I feel my present toilet is adequate, and I am not prepared to carry out this work.”

But others, apparently, were glad to see the new regulations introduced.

In Ballina most publicans were being asked to install hot water and provide better facilities. The majority were agreeable to undertake these works.

Publican John Walkin said: “I think it is about time hygiene in public houses was improved. Some pubs are 50 years behind time in this respect and must be brought up to date.”

In Ballyhaunis health inspectors were mainly concerned with the provision of ladies’ as well as gents toilets, and running water.

Most publicans offered no objection to installing hot water.

But Mr. Joe Regan, who owned the ‘Corner Bar’, said: “I don’t consider that running hot water is really necessary. Most publicans, like myself, have instant hot water laid on. And in most pubs, kettles are convenient.”

Publican Bertie Curley was hampered by lack of space, ‘and cannot possibly provide a ladies’ toilet’.

In Castlebar, publicans complained they could not get plumbers to lay on hot water.

Publican Jim Kelly of Spencer Street said: “I have been told to install hot water, but I can’t get a plumber. There are not enough plumbers in town to carry out the work.

“I told the health inspector that if he could get me a plumber I would certainly pay him.”