Discussion has been opened on introducing alcohol by-laws into the Oranmore/Athenry district.
It's after Tuam became the first district in County Galway this week to approve new laws to ban the public consumption of alcohol.
The Tuam pilot is all about curbing anti-social behavior, and it allows Gardaí or a community warden to issue fines to those found drinking in public.
The first fine is €75, and that'll double if not paid within a few weeks - and after that, it's a trip to court and potentially a much heftier fine.
At a meeting of Athenry/Oranmore councillors this week, there was praise for the initiative in Tuam and talk about how it might be replicated elsewhere.
Councillor Martin McNamara said it's a good preventative measure in the first instance rather than having to resort to public order offences.
But Councillor Cillian Keane cautioned that if it's to be done, it has to be done right, pointing to the unique situation Oranmore finds itself in.
It's split by two different municipal districts - the majority in Athenry/Oranmore, but a sizable chunk also in Loughrea.
You can't have a situation, Councillor Keane argued, that someone on one side of the Maree Road can drink away, but someone on the other can't.
Management said the by-laws can be looked at, in co-ordination with other districts, but it will require considerable work and public consultation.
So, while public consumption of alcohol will be officially banned in Tuam in the coming weeks, it'll be some time yet before it's rolled out elsewhere.
