Dancing clubs' owners charged

Charges against the owners and managers of two lap-dancing clubs for employing women without proper work permits will be heard…

Charges against the owners and managers of two lap-dancing clubs for employing women without proper work permits will be heard in the District Court on May 28th, Judge Mary Collins decided yesterday.

The clubs are among four which are being prosecuted for allegedly employing workers in contravention of the Employment Permits Act 2003.

Mr Chris Kelly, owner of Club Lapello, Dame Street, Dublin, and his company Starshine View, face six summonses for not having work permits for three women. Mr Kelly faces a further charge of unlawful possession of a firearm which was allegedly found in his home on the night the club was raided.

A lawyer for the second club, La Petite, Barry's Hotel, Great Denmark Street, Dublin, also asked for time to consider documentation. Three individuals, Mr Edward Fahy, Ms Sinead Fahy and Mr Paul Lawless, along with the company which owns the club, Archester Ltd, faced a total of 28 summonses relating to seven non-EU women found in the club. Yesterday, a further 12 summonses were brought against the La Petite parties.