A judge yesterday refused to renew the pub licence of The Tailteann in Navan, Co Meath, because Travellers had been banned from the premises.
The judge found that the group of settled Travellers had been absolutely discriminated against and treated like second-class citizens when a publican imposed a "blanket ban" on Travellers.
Judge John Brophy refused to renew the licence of Mr Patrick Murphy, The Tailteann, Trimgate Street, Navan, Co Meath.
Mr Pat Purcell, for the publican, said his client had made a bad decision in imposing a blanket ban. However, Travellers were currently being served in the pub.
The effects of non-renewal of the licence would be "little short of catastrophic" for his client who had a huge mortgage, 80 percent of the price of the property. He was employing 18 people.
Judge Brophy stated that they could appeal the decision.
Six Travellers had objected to the renewal of the licence. Judge Brophy heard the evidence of the objectors, Ms Ellen McDonagh, Mr David and Ms Margaret McDonagh, Mr John Nevin, Mr Martin Joyce and Mr John McDonagh, all with addresses in Navan, at a previous sitting.