Galway town introduces on-the-spot fines for public drinking
People caught drinking alcohol in public places in Tuam, Co Galway, will now face on-the-spot fines under a new by-law - the first of its kind in the county - that came into force this week.
Passed in June, the by-law will allow a community warden or An Garda Síochána to administer a €75 fine for drinking in public spaces around the town.
The by-law came into effect on Tuesday, July 7.
The fine must be paid within 21 days or the penalty can increase to €150. Unpaid fines result in the person being liable for up to €1,900.
Galway County Councillor Sean Cunniffee had introduced the idea in October 2024 after gardaí said a fine would be useful in enforcing public drinking expectations.
Tuam is the first electoral area in County Galway to establish the by-law to curb anti-social behaviour.
Under the by-law, a “public place” is defined as “a place to which the public can and do have access.”
To avoid being “prohibitive in any way” to local businesses, exemptions have been made for outdoor dining areas, festivals, hotels and pubs.