Shock tactics: shopowner hits back

THE OWNER of a music shop in Ennis, Co Clare, has decided to take strong action against the misbehaviour of drunken revellers…

THE OWNER of a music shop in Ennis, Co Clare, has decided to take strong action against the misbehaviour of drunken revellers, including warning of an electric shock for anyone who relieves themselves at his shopfront.

John O’Connor has installed an electric device and warning signs at Custy’s Traditional Irish Music Shop which, he says, will give anyone who urinates there an electric shock. The shop is on Cooke’s Lane off O’Connell Street. Mr O’Connor describes installing the measures, which will go into operation this weekend, as “total desperation”.

He says the shop has built an international reputation over 17 years. “I’m not willing every Monday to be confronted with human detritus where I have to clean up human faeces, urine and vomit. Sometimes it can take 40 minutes to clean it all up.”

He has also installed CCTV cameras and a high-powered lamp. He says he has spent €2,500- €3,000 on the equipment.

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan

Gordon Deegan is a contributor to The Irish Times