court challenge Renewal of Berlin D2 bar’s licence for flouting of coronavirus restrictions delayed again

A COURT challenge to the renewal of the Berlin D2 bar’s licence for flouting of coronavirus restrictions has been delayed again.

Gardai initiated the proceedings after footage emerged in August of non-compliance with covid-19 social distancing rules.

A video clip was shared on social media of patrons in the popular venue on Dame Lane in Dublin city-centre.

A masked staff member danced on the bar as he poured shots into dancing customers’ mouths during the controversial bar brunch event. The event was advertised as “A Very Boozy Baked Brunch With Your Buds”,

The footage went viral online.

The bar’s manager, businessman Jay Bourke, described it as “20 seconds of madness” when he commented to the media. The restaurateur told RTE's Morning Ireland: "That footage does not reflect what went on that day at all."

However, gardai have formally objected to the bar retaining it’s licence in an application.

In September, the case came to court but was adjourned until Oct. 28 for the hearing of the action. However, as a result of the reintroduced level-5 coronavirus restrictions that month civil matters in the district court in Dublin were adjourned generally.

The licence objection has been given a new date and was expected to go ahead yesterday/today (wed) instead. However, the latest round of covid restrictions has again resulted in the district court civil matters being adjourned. A new date has yet to bet.

The objection has been brought by Garda Inspector John Finucane from Pearse Street station.

Earlier, barrister Dorothy Collins confirmed it was related to the Berlin D2 bar, operated by her client Trillium Leisure Ltd.

The objection was, “on the basis of non-compliance with covid regulations”, the court was told.

The court has already ordered direct disclosure of full statements in relation to the various alleged breaches of the regulations.

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Online Editors