Market Bar in Dublin admits smoking ban breach

The operators of popular Dublin gastro pub the Market Bar have admitted breaking the smoking ban.

Mercroft Taverns Ltd, which operates the bar at Fade Street in Dublin city centre, pleaded guilty to a charge under the Public Health Tobacco Act, which can result result in a maximum €3,000 fine.

The popular bar, which was at the centre of the RTÉ Fade Street reality TV series, is run by entrepreneur John Reynolds - a nephew of former taoiseach Albert Reynolds,

HSE environmental health officer Jennifer Shorten agreed with prosecution solicitor Adrian Lennon that she carried out an inspection on November 10th, 2016.

She told the court she saw numerous people smoking in a section of the bar behind a barrier.

She agreed with defence counsel Paul Gunning that in relation to that section of the bar, located to its front and left, she did not notice any ashtrays. However, she said there were buckets on the ground.

Counsel said the area has since been designated non-smoking and it was accepted that a large number of signs had been put up.

However, the inspector told the court she visited the bar again on Tuesday night and it was still not fully compliant with the smoking ban.

The defence said Mercroft Taverns Ltd director Mr Reynolds was in court and counsel suggested that the case could be put back until a later date to allow for engagement with the HSE.

The barrister said it was “a difficult one to police” and a bouncer could not patrol the area at all times.

Joking that he once knew the bar "sometime ago when I had a social life", Judge John Brennan adjourned the case until February to allow for any possible structural work to be completed.