Man fined for selling roses outside Letterkenny nightclub

A man who was selling roses outside a Letterkenny nightclub has been fined.

Ioan Covaciu was before Letterkenny District Court charged with an infringement of the Casual Trading Act, 1995.

The court heard that Gardai approached Covaciu at 2.20am on July 8, 2023 when they observed him selling roses to members of the public.

Covaciu admitted to officers that he did not have any licence to carry out trading. He was subsequently charged with an offence contrary to section 3 (2) and (3) of the Casual Trading Act, 1995.

The 45-year-old, with an address at Lower Main Street Letterkenny, was represented by solicitor Mr Michael Shiel.

Mr Shiel said Covaciu is a married father-of-one who attempted to get a permit.

“It cost €3,000 to get one and he just couldn’t afford that to sell roses outside Voodoo,” Mr Shiel said. “He is on social welfare and he took a chance to get a bit of extra money for his family. That is the sole reason for doing this.”

Covaciu had paid €150 in bail money to Gardai and consented to this being used for any fine the court might impose, Mr Shiel added.

Judge Éiteáin Cunningham said the fact Covaciu knew he needed a casual trading licence and initially sought one was a ‘difficulty’ for the accused.

Covaciu was convicted and fined €150.