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&amp;quot;HapyAcid&amp;quot;:1mvo24gz wrote: So what constitutes being "drunk"? [/quote:1mvo24gz]Thats the nub of it really - if by drunk they mean over the legal drink-driving limit (which is the only legal definition of drunk that Im aware of) then we're all fecked <!-- s:!: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_exclaim.gif" alt="" title="Exclamation" /><!-- s:!: --> I think we should look into pre-purchasing 10 packs of 'caught drunk again' coupons for a discount... perhaps we could also get the government to consider offering a season ticket for people who enjoy more than one pint a week...

Well, if I'm accused of being drunk in public but not disorderly, I'll take the court appearance thanks. It's one thing a pissed off Garda deciding to fine you because you have had a few beers and he doesn't happen to like your face, but it's quite another for him to justify it to a judge.

Today's Irish Times[/url:21q8uc6r] points out some flaws in the plan.

[quote:30lskxew]Today's Irish Times points out some flaws in the plan.[/quote:30lskxew]

Interesting points in this one.

[quote:30lskxew]Well, if I'm accused of being drunk in public but not disorderly, I'll take the court appearance thanks[/quote:30lskxew]

How likely are you to get convicted? Is a criminal record really worth the risk as opposed to just paying the 100 euro fine? I'd imagine a criminal record has to cost you a lot in terms of future potential earnings (and also have some social reputation cost) which has to be worth several thousand euro. So back of the envelope if you have a less then 20 to one chance of getting convicted you are better paying your fine.

Well, that sorts that out.

As I mentioned previously, the whole issue just doesn't figure with out the "and disorderly" bit.

&amp;quot;a_friend_in_mead&amp;quot;:26ouye6t wrote:
How likely are you to get convicted? Is a criminal record really worth the risk as opposed to just paying the 100 euro fine? [/quote:26ouye6t]

Isn't that what they want? It's similar to the driving points, where they double the points if you appeal. 'Just pay the damn fine and stop bothering us.'

&amp;quot;a_friend_in_mead&amp;quot;:3atovnk6 wrote: Is a criminal record really worth the risk as opposed to just paying the 100 euro fine?[/quote:3atovnk6]

But that's the interesting bit, isn't it? Drunken and disorderly is a criminal offence, but is just being drunk in public, without the disorderly bit? All I have read is about new Garda powers to levy on the spot fines, no one has mentioned a new criminal charge of public drunkenness. I think I would be investigating this quite closely before I decided to pay any fines.