A Co Laois publican was released from Mountjoy Prison yesterday after serving three days of a four-week sentence for refusing to pay an £800 fine incurred for staying open late last New Year's Eve.
Mr Michael Fallon was last night on his way home from Dublin to Clonaslee after being set free yesterday evening.
He had vowed to serve out the sentence rather than pay the fine which was imposed after a garda found customers on his premises at Main Street in the town at 12.20 a.m., just minutes after the countdown into 1999.
"We're thrilled he is being let out early," said his sister, Ms Josie Fallon, who was preparing a welcome-home party for him last night. "But if he had to serve the 28 days or even 58 days he wouldn't have backed down. He's that sort of way."
Mr Fallon, who is married with three children, had objected to the rigid enforcement of the law on such a celebratory occasion. He pointed out in court that he had nothing to gain by people staying late in the bar as most were due to go on to a function in the local community centre which he was running.
Mr Fallon is a member and former activist of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland.
A spokeswoman for the group said such a strict enforcement of the law on New Year's Eve was very unusual. But she said: "We don't want to be encouraging any of our members not to pay fines. It is the type of situation where it is up to the individual to decide how to deal with it."
Referring to the introduction of new licensing laws by the Government, she said: "Hope fully it's the kind of situation which will not arise again."
Under the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, to come before the Dail in January, pubs will be allowed to remain open until 12.30 p.m. with a half-hour's drinking-up time on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, restricted winter closing hours are being abolished.
A special order is to be granted this New Year's Eve to allow pubs to stay open until 1.30 a.m. with a half-hour's drinking-up time.
