Down The Hatch

• Pubs defy Micheal plea to ‘forget takeaway pints’ • It’s not illegal... despite Taoiseach’s supposed ban

- Ferghal Blaney

Pubs are serving punters through hatches across Dublin – despite Micheal Martin telling us all to “forget takeaway pints”.

And it has emerged that it is not illegal – no matter what the Taoiseach led us to believe last month.

The Irish Sunday Mirror can reveal bars on the Northside and the Southside are serving takeaway drinks to their select clients.

It is believed the practice is secretly commonplace in many other counties too. The landmark Irishtown House in Dublin 4 is providing the service out its front door and there was even a queue on Friday evening.

It was advertising “takeaway specials” at €6.50 each, or two for €12, on its cocktails including pornstar martinis, strawberry daiquiris, and Long Island iced teas.

The Irish Sunday Mirror has also confirmed another pub in the Dublin suburbs, near Glasnevin, is providing pints delivered to homes.