Developer did not have a bar licence

Developer Niall Mellon did not hold a licence to sell drinks when proprietor of the Three Rocks Bar in Dec 2009, a court has heard.

Barrister Paul O’Neill told Judge Susan Ryan in the Circuit Civil Court that an insurance company was repudiating a policy it had sold Mr Mellon, proprietor of the pub, for damages cover for accidents.

Mr O’Neill there was no intoxicating liquor licence attaching to the premises when student Claire Graydon fell and broke a finger at a birthday party on the premises on Dec 5, 2009.

Ms Graydon, now aged 22, of Sycamore, Rockfield, Dundrum, Dublin, sued Opcon Ltd, trading as Taylors Three Rock Bars at Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin, for damages for personal injuries.

She has also issued a damages claim against Mr Mellon, of Cedarmount House, Mount Anville Rd, Goatstown; Liam Heneghan of Leinster Lawn, Clonskeagh; Donal Cawley of Westminster Lawns, Foxrock; and John Keenan, c/o the Grange Rd pub.

Mr O’Neill, counsel for the defendants, told Judge Ryan that his instructing solicitors, Shaffrey & Co, wished to bring a motion on behalf of the insurers to come off record for all defendants on the grounds of material non-disclosure about the lack of lawful licence to operate the pub.

The court heard Ms Graydon slipped on an allegedly wet and uneven floor surface while attending a birthday party on the premises.

Mr O’Neill said a number of well-known businessmen were named as defendants and sought an adjournment to permit further perusal of the insurance policy.

Judge Ryan adjourned the matter until Nov 4.