What is a Pub and Bar Claim?
Pub and bar claims cover injuries sustained as a customer in licensed premises. Common claims include slips on spilled drinks, falls on staircases, injuries from broken glass, burns from hot food service, and injuries arising from ejection or failure to control drunk or aggressive customers. Licensees carry commercial public liability insurance specifically for these claims.
Am I Entitled to Claim?
You can claim if the licensee or staff failed in their duty of care. Typical claims involve unmaintained premises, inadequate lighting, failures to manage spillages, glass service in unsuitable areas, excessive alcohol service to already-intoxicated customers, and failures to prevent or manage aggressive behaviour by other patrons.
Step-by-Step Process
Report to the Licensee
Ask for the manager. Ensure an accident report is made and get a copy.
Preserve Evidence
Photos of any hazard or broken fitting. Keep your receipt and card statement.
Gardai if Assaulted
If you were assaulted by another patron or by staff, report to Gardai immediately.
Medical Attention
A&E the same night for lacerations, burns, or head injuries. Your GP for soft tissue injury follow-up.
Contact Keans
Free consultation. We handle both the licensee claim and any criminal injuries application.
Claim Resolution
Through the IRB for negligence claims. Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal for assault where no private assets exist.
Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim
The stronger the evidence, the more straightforward the claim. Where possible, gather the following:
- Photos of the hazard, surface, or defect that caused the accident
- The incident report you filed with staff at the location
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- CCTV footage request made in writing within days of the accident
- Weather records if weather was a factor
- Medical records from A&E, your GP, and follow-up specialists
- Receipts for any out-of-pocket costs including damaged clothing
- Your receipt or card statement showing attendance
- Gardai Pulse reference if assaulted
- Witness details from other patrons
Compensation Ranges
Based on the Judicial Council’s Personal Injury Guidelines 2021. Awards may also include special damages for lost earnings, medical costs, and future care needs. Exact value depends on your specific injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes. You can sue the assailant directly (if identified), the pub for failing to control known aggression or failing to train bouncers, and you can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal. We assess all three routes at consultation.
Usually the pub’s, if the stairs were inadequately lit, uneven, missing handrails, or wet. Irish building regulations set minimum standards for staircases in licensed premises. Failure to meet them is strong evidence of breach of duty.
It can, on contributory negligence grounds, particularly if intoxication contributed to the fall. However, intoxication does not end the claim. Pubs exist to serve alcohol and must foresee intoxicated patrons on their premises.
Yes. Nightclubs, bars, and pubs all operate under broadly the same occupier duties and licensee regulatory framework. Claims against nightclubs often include additional issues around security staff and crowd management.
Two years from the date of the accident or the date you first became aware of the injury. Miss it and your claim is statute barred, so contact a solicitor early.
No. The initial consultation at Keans is free. For personal injury cases we discuss all fees in writing before work begins. In contentious business, Irish law prevents solicitors from calculating fees as a percentage of your award or settlement.