A Leeson Street nightclub lost its operating licence today after a court heard a neighbouring law firm decided it could no longer use part of its property for fire exit purposes.
Rostella Trading Ltd, trading as Cats Niteclub and Restaurant, had failed to carry out works to provide alternative fire exit arrangements, Dublin District Court was told.
As a result, the City Council's fire department lodged an objection to the renewal of its annual licence.
Fire officer Mr Brian Dunne said in July last year, neighbours Kilroy Solicitors informed the fire department that Cats had been using a rear exit from the club which passed through their property.
"They sent us a letter stating they were going to block it off which would have left a situation where there would be only one exit from the club through the front door", Mr Dunne said.
The club applied for a new fire certificate which was granted last September on the basis that it carry out a number of works. Subsequent inspections revealed however that the work was not done.
District Court president Peter Smithwick allowed the objection and refused to renew the licence.