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WORDS Shamim De Brún Pub Owner Erects €20k Gate t
o Combat Drug Use in Dublin Laneway The owner of O’Reilly’s bar in Dublin, Gary O’Reilly, took matters into his own hands recently by installing a €20,000 gate to deter drug users from a laneway beside his pub on Parnell Place. Concerns over persistent drug use, assaults, and illegal dumping prompted this move. Despite facing criticism and a complaint to the City Council, O’Reilly defended the action, citing safety concerns for residents and staff. He claimed to have followed all necessary procedures, including submitting paperwork to the council. However, the council is investigating the legality of the gate’s installation following a complaint. Local councillor Janet Horner acknowledged the area’s problems but urged tackling root causes rather than resorting to such measures. The Turks Head is Back, Baby Remember the glory of a night at the Turks Head? Yeah, the one on Parliament Street in Temple Bar? Well, it took a longer nap than a teenager on a Saturday morning after the March 2020 lockdown hit. Despite trying to toe the COVID line, it just couldn’t muster the strength to reopen during those brief moments when the powers-thatbe said it was okay. Dubliners mourned its absence like they’d lost their favourite geansaí. But Huzzahs all round because the Turks Head isn’t dead and buried after all! The place that encapsulated 2024 is coming back, and it’s bringing snug vibes and pints aplenty. Possible Delay in Extending Irish Pub Hours to 6am Cellar 22 Officially Launches on April 24 Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar suggests plans for pubs and nightclubs to open until 6am may not meet the summer deadline. Justice Minister Helen McEntee proposed extended hours to Cabinet in October 2022, with Tourism Minister Catherine Martin aiming for implementation by end of 2023. Varadkar, however, couldn’t confirm readiness by summer, citing McEntee’s other priorities. Legislation is expected before the Dáil recess, but uncertainty lingers. Sunil Sharpe of Give Us the Night, pictured, criticised delays, deeming it “embarrassing” that promised reforms haven’t materialised. Proposed legislation in 2022 aimed at extending hours for pubs and nightclubs remains pending, leaving the future of late-night venues uncertain. Dublin’s gone full-on wine crazy, and we’re not just talking about natty plonk. We’re talking about the whole shebang and Cellar 22 taking charge when it launches on April 24. They’ve got a wine list that’ll make your head spin, along with what some folks are whispering about as the best darn handmade charcuterie in Dublin right now. Plus, they’re serving up grub all day long, so it’s the ideal spot for that long overdue gossip sesh with your old buddy especially if they’re the type to decant a fine wine while spilling all the juicy deets. 41