Mysterious Incident at Ned Devine’s Irish Pub: A Case of Forgotten Nights

In a case that highlights potential gaps in nightlife safety, a troubling incident at Ned Devine’s Irish pub in Faneuil Hall has come to light. On September 26, 2024, a woman was found locked inside the female restroom on the second floor shortly after 2 AM. Her account and the subsequent investigation have raised serious concerns about the establishment’s procedures and the duty of care owed to its patrons.

The Incident at Ned Devine’s

An officer responding to a report of a person inside the popular bar discovered the woman alone and locked in the restroom. According to her account, she awoke there without any recollection of how she got there or what transpired during the night. She suspected that she might have been drugged, having consumed an espresso martini earlier in the evening.

The woman had arrived at the bar for a private work event around 6:45 PM. Her last clear memory was receiving a text message from a friend around midnight. The lack of memory, combined with the unusual circumstances, makes the incident alarming and confusing.

Surveillance Footage and Contradictions

Surveillance footage reviewed by the bar management and the Boston Licensing Board revealed that the woman had been served drinks by multiple bartenders. The footage showed her purchasing beverages without any signs of alcohol-induced impairment, such as stumbling or making judgment errors. This discrepancy between the woman’s claims and the evidence on record raises questions about the accuracy of her account.

Staff at Ned Devine’s insist that their usual closing procedures were followed, including checking all bathrooms and closed doors for any patrons left behind. However, this time, they admitted, they missed it.

Licensing Board’s Investigation

The Boston Licensing Board held a hearing to investigate the incident. Chairman Kathleen Joyce described the situation as “frightening,” emphasizing that someone could have easily met a fatal outcome if left in such a situation. She stressed that the management and staff have “a fundamental duty of care to protect their patrons,” pointing out that this incident represents a “clear undeniable breakdown in supervision.”

Despite the gravity of the situation, Ned Devine’s was not issued a violation. The woman’s toxicology report came back negative, ruling out the possibility of alcohol intoxication or the presence of drugs. However, the board has documented the incident on the bar’s record and vowed to review the surveillance footage from that night to prevent future occurrences.

Bar’s Response and Future Measures

Ned Devine’s acknowledges the mistake and takes responsibility for the oversight. In a statement, the bar’s attorney, Dennis Quilty, expressed relief that the woman was not harmed and detailed the steps being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. “We are very glad that this woman was not hurt in any way, but it was a mistake that the licensee is responsible for, and we take responsibility,” Quilty said.

The staff has undergone retraining on closing procedures to ensure that all patrons are accounted for when the bar closes for the night. This proactive measure reflects the commitment of Ned Devine’s to safeguarding its patrons’ well-being.

Concluding Thoughts

The incident at Ned Devine’s Irish pub serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough safety protocols in the nightlife industry. While the woman’s specific experience remains shrouded in mystery, the event highlights the critical role staff play in ensuring patrons are safe. As the Licensing Board continues to investigate and document the incident, the industry must reflect on the need for continuous improvements in maintaining a secure environment.

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