December 21 1923
I am in a position today to supplement the information regarding the intentions of the Northern Government in relation to the Intoxicating Liquor Act given at the Anti-Prohibition meeting held in Belfast on Wednesday, and reported in yesterday’s Irish News. Representations were made to Sir James Craig, on behalf of the licensed trade, urging them to modify the Sunday closing and bona-fide traveller clauses in the measure.
The Prime Minister, I am told, declared in the most emphatic manner that he would not accede to the request made, and that the clauses objected to must stand as they are. He also expressed the opinion that in the near future a measure would be passed in the British Parliament enforcing Sunday closing in England.
I am led to believe, however, that a short Bill may be tabled in the Northern Parliament altering the provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act referring to publicans’ licenses in the country districts. As is well known, the provincial publican has often a mixed business, and would find it very difficult to comply with the demands of the new Act. It is to meet such cases that the amending Bill would be introduced.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act of 1923 prohibited the opening of pubs in Northern Ireland on Sundays. The measures remained in place until 1987, when pubs were allowed to open on Sunday for the first time in 64 years.
Tom Barry Taken into Custody
Tom Barry, the well-known Irregular leader, was arrested yesterday morning at the Courthouse, Cork, during the meeting of the County Council. Those assembled for the meeting included Tom Barry and the equally well-known Irregular leader, Tom Hales.
They were just about to enter the public gallery when the pair were accosted by some of the searchers, and Tom Barry was taken into one of the military offices. Tom Hales, who remained in the corridor, afterwards entered the public gallery of the Council Chamber, and was present during the proceedings. At the conclusion of the meeting it was learned that Tom Barry was still in military custody.
It was subsequently learned from the Intelligence Department of Cork Military Command Headquarters that after investigations Tom Barry’s release had been ordered. His discharge from custody took place two hours after his arrest.
Despite the civil war having ended in May 1923 and the release of most republican prisoners and internees by late 1923, anti-Treaty IRA leaders and prominent figures such as Tom Barry were still considered a threat by the Free State government and were thus liable to be targeted, arrested and imprisoned long after the ending of hostilities.