A PUBLICAN has been refused renewal of his licence after a judge determined he had been facilitating and effecting betting transactions on his premises.

The application by Brian McGovern, of Mac’s Bar in Lisnaskea, was objected to by Toal’s Bookmakers.

It was the first in a series of more than 20 similar licence renewals Toal’s and McLean’s bookmakers have objected to.

Fermanagh Magistrates’ Court was shown footage filmed at Mac’s Bar in July by a man using a camera built into glasses.

The man described it as a covert, intelligence-led operation.

District Judge Nigel Broderick observed that he was being asked to consider whether Mr. McGovern was a fit person to hold a licence.

On balance of the evidence, he said, he was not satisfied this was the case.

Mr. McGovern is to appeal the decision.