Courts / Galway / Report

Judge's comments on casino not pejorative or prejudicial, court finds

Summary

In a 2020 Court of Appeal decision, the court held that a District Court judge's remark that a "genuine casino" would need a liquor licence was not pejorative or prejudicial. Midnight Entertainment Ltd, which operates the 4 Aces casino in Galway, had been charged with selling drinks without a licence on 28 November 2015. The company, claiming it is a private members' club and does not require a licence, denied wrongdoing and sought to defend itself. Midnight Entertainment had previously obtained a High Court order quashing the judge's refusal to recuse herself, citing remarks made in a 2015 case where the judge found a director guilty and imposed a suspended sentence, remarking that a genuine casino must have a licence. The Court of Appeal overturned the High Court's decision, remitted the matter to the District Court, and awarded legal costs against the company.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge's comments on casino not pejorative or prejudicial, court finds. Charges or matters: selling drink without a licence on November 28, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• November 28, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2020-03-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report