Two Customs officers who booked a table at the Berlin D2 Bar last September claim they were allowed to stay drinking beyond the 105 minutes allowed at the time.
They were giving evidence today as part of a Garda challenge to the renewal of the Dublin bar’s licences on foot of alleged Covid breaches the previous month.
On August 15th last, gardaí became aware of a video clip that went viral on social media, which appeared to show a barman at the Berlin D2 Bar, dancing on the counter, while pouring alcohol into the mouths of customers below him.
CCTV Footage
After examining CCTV footage, gardaí observed alcohol being served without meals, people gathering at the bar instead of remaining seated at their tables.
They claim a DJ set led to dancing and mingling between groups and they also claim staff took part socially in the event, without facemasks.
On the back of their investigation, they’re objecting to the renewal of the bar’s licences.
The court also heard from two customs officers today, who claimed staff set up a second bill for them when they went there the following month so they could stay drinking beyond the one hour and 45 minutes, as set down by the Covid guidelines that were in place at the time.
The hearing will continue next week.
