The District Court has refused an application which would allow pubs in Killorglin stay open until 3am during Puck Fair.
At Killorglin District Court’s sitting in Cahersiveen, Judge David Waters refused the exemption that 14 pubs applied for.
They sought an exemption for two of the three dates of the festival which runs from August 10th to 12th.
Gardaí objected on grounds including that the exemption would put additional pressure on limited garda resources.
The court heard that the 3am closing time at Puck Fair had been in place for more than 50 years.
In refusing the application, Judge Waters said front-line policing trumps in this case.
The decision is to be appealed to the circuit court.
Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae hopes the appeal will be successful.
