Dublin's Lord Mayor, Cllr Mary Freehill, may face a dry end-of-year party at the Round Room of the Mansion House after a judge yesterday said he would not give a drinks licence for it unless he first gets fire safety approval for the venue.
Dublin District Court heard that four occasional drinks licences were being sought for functions in the Round Room before the end of the month, including the party for the Lord Mayor.
The fire officer who usually deals with safety clearance for the Mansion House was on holiday, and there was nobody available to take his place yesterday. Judge Timothy Lucey said he would not grant the licences until he was provided with a letter stating the fire officer was satisfied with the safety of the venue.
He adjourned the applications until tomorrow to allow the venue organisers obtain a letter from the fire safety authorities.