Vintners' warn of increase in violence in Cork pubs

PUBLICANS fear an increase in aggressive behaviour linked to drug use, according to Vintners' Federation Ireland chairperson Michael O' Donovan.
He was speaking following an alleged stabbing incident in a pub on Paul Street on Sunday evening.
The publican said that drug use among bar clientele leading to aggressive behaviour was a “major concern” for VFI bartenders and publicans in the city.
Mr O’Donovan who runs The Castle Inn said the organisation had not been in contact with the owners of the bar as they are not a VFI member and he did not know the full details of the stabbing incident that occurred. It is not known whether drugs were a factor in the incident.
On Sunday at around 6.30pm, Gardaí were called to the pub on Paul Street after a man in his 20s was stabbed while working in the premises. The Linen Weaver bar was closed for the evening following the incident.
The injured party was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. A man in his 20s was arrested at the scene.