A judge yesterday rejected Garda objections to an application for a wine licence for a new restaurant in the former night-club premises, The Shaft, in Ely Place, Dublin.
Judge Thomas Edward O'Donnell granted the licence to Mr Eric Robson, owner of a company which plans to operate "an upper class wine bar and restaurant" in the basement and ground floor of the former club.
The Shaft was later known as The Altar before it was closed down by the courts last year because gardai said ecstasy use was widespread and it had 34 convictions for after-hours drinking.
The lease on the property was later sold and yesterday Dublin District Court heard gardai objected to plans from the new owner because the fire escape from the premises exited into the yard of O'Donoghue's Pub of Merrion Row. They were concerned because this could pose problems for gardai wanting to inspect the restaurant. It was also possible that patrons from the restaurant could go into the pub to buy beer.
Mr Robson told the court it would make no commercial sense for patrons to be permitted to drink in an adjoining premises but if necessary the gate leading to O'Donoghue's could be controlled. He was prepared to give gardai written right-of-way to the premises and the owner of O'Donoghue's, Mr Oliver Barton, had indicated he was prepared to do likewise. Granting the licence, the judge imposed conditions that the requirements of the fire officer be carried out in full and that gardai be furnished with a written right-of-way for the rear of premises.