Mayo micro-distillery is granted a retail licence

A micro-distillery based in south west Mayo has been granted a retail licence to sell take away whiskey, gin and vodka to tourists and other visitors.

Lough Mask Distillery, based at Killateeaun, Tourmakeady, has been granted the licence by District Court Judge Fiona Lydon.

It is 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.

This week, Ms Helena Boylan, solictor, made an application to Judge Lydon for the retail licence in respect of Lough Mask Distillery.

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.

After considering and hearing there were no garda objections, Judge Lydon granted the licence.