Ban on public drinking in Tuam MD starts next month
The bylaws hope to curtail anti-social behaviour
NEW bylaws banning the consumption of alcohol in public places in the Tuam MD will commence on Tuesday, July 7.
The ban is being introduced after ongoing complaints of drunken and anti-social behaviour in amenity areas in Tuam such as King Rory O’Connor Park near the River Nanny. It will also apply across the municipal district.
The new bylaws allow Gardaí and community wardens to confiscate alcohol or impose a €75 fine on individuals should they refuse requests to stop drinking or leave the area peacefully.
Offenders will have 21 days to pay the fine or it will increase to €150. Should they refuse to pay the fine within 56 days, a person would be liable to a court appearance and a maximum fine of €1,900 upon conviction.
It will apply to anyone drinking in areas the public can have access to such as churches, churchyards, cemeteries, public parks, green spaces, beaches or canal and riverbanks.
Bylaws in the works since 2024
First suggested by Councillor Shaun Cunniffe back in 2024, the new bylaws couldn’t progress until they first went before the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP). After several delays, the group finally met for the first time in December 2025, with the drinking bylaws discussed and approved in early 2026.
“I’m delighted to see how quickly this has all progressed, as it was something we had been looking to get for a long time,” stated Cllr Cunniffe during Monday’s meeting of the Tuam MD.
“The bylaws are very balanced, with a very good definition of what the council defines as a public place. They are also written so they don’t impact someone who is just walking back from an off-licence planning to consume it at home.
“I also welcome that we will not be targeting those drinking on benches or tables adjacent to hotels or bars, that was a very sensible decision. It can also be relaxed should Tuam host another big event like The Saw Doctors or a major GAA match.
“These bylaws are something so many people across Tuam have called for. It is great their wishes have been respected and I commend everyone involved in getting them over the line.”
Public Consultation
The draft bylaws were approved by Tuam MD Councillors in March, before going up for public consultation, with nine submissions being received.
The submissions came largely from local volunteer groups such as the Tuam Tidy Town Committee, Tuam Community Council and the Trustees of the Mill Museum, who were all in favour of introducing these measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town.
The finalised drinking bylaws and the nine submissions were presented to councillors during their MD meeting on Monday. Having been unanimously adopted, they will commence on July 7.
Gardaí have been made aware of the bylaws approval and will be provided with booklets to help familiarise themselves with the new regulations. The council are also working with the community wardens to make them aware of their new duties.
Signs will be placed in public areas in a bid to notify individuals of the new bylaws, alongside a media campaign to raise further awareness of the changes over the coming month.
“These bylaws will largely help Tuam, but they also apply across the MD and can have an impact in places like Dunmore and Headford too,” commented Cllr Ollie Turner.
“I think it is important we get signs erected in pubs and off-licenses too, so people drinking in them are aware of the new bylaws.
“There must be some onus on those in charge of pubs and off-licenses, the people who sell alcohol to the public, to make sure their customers are aware that that there will be consequences for consuming these drinks on their way home. We can’t forget about their responsibility in all this too.”