Pub operated without a licence

A Bailieboro man who operated a well know licensed premises on the N3 without a licence for ten months has been fined €1265 at the local District Court when he failed to appear. Derek Hempenstall, 41 Maple Court, Bailieboro, was charged that on August 28 he sold intoxicating liquor (spirits) at the Bent Elbow, Knocknagilla, Stradone, without a licence. Michael White and officer with the Revenue Commissioners told the court that he visited the premises with a colleague and he ordered a Power"s whiskey for himself and a cup of coffee for his colleague. He obtained a receipt and asked the person behind if Mr. Hempenstall was around. Mr. Hempenstall arrived and witness and his colleague identified themselves as officers from the Revenue. Mr. White asked him if he had a valid publicans licence for the Bent Elbow. Mr. Hempenstall said he was trying to get his tax clearance certificate, 'so I suppose I don"t.' Witness informed him that he could no sell intoxicating liquor without a licence. Mr. Hempenstall admitted he was the licensee of the premises since September 3, 2007, and was operating without a licence since then. The licence expired on September 3, 2007.Mr. White pointed out that if the defendant was tax compliant it would have resulted in an automatic renewal of the licence.A licence was taken out in August 2008 by the owner of the premises Phelim McCabe when eh took it back from Mr. Hempenstall.