Revellers across Athlone were left holding their breath this week (September 23 ) when the re-issuing of a number of pub licences was postponed for a few hours at the annual licencing court.
Judge John Neilan was reacting to the number of solicitors who were seeking adjournments in the annual transfer of trading licences on account of their not having their fire certificates fully updated, and he sought the presence of the county’s fire officer to explain this.
“He will not be allowed to avail of an adjournment until patrons are guaranteed maximum protection,” said the judge, as he put off dealing with these applications until the afternoon sessions to give the fire officer time to show up.
“If a fire officer can’t get to a property why should patrons be put at risk?
“If he [fire officer] can’t attend this court to confirm the welfare of the people of this State, I’d find that unacceptable.
“I’ll have the county manager up here before me to explain this. I don’t want to hear how 21 or 22 people died in a fire tomorrow.”
However, Judge Neilan was reassured by the attendance of the county’s deputy chief fire officer, Mr Joe Cassidy, and his explanation as to the backlog of updated fire certificates.
“Mr Cassidy would like licencees to get their applications in early, in May or June,” said the judge.
This is in order to facilitate the full processing of the appropriate fire certificates in time for the annual licencing court, held at the last court date before October 1.
Judge Neilan was satisfied with Mr Cassidy’s small backlog and adjourned the conclusion of formalities until October 28 to allow these be finalised.
