Dublin Gay Bar License Approved
Dublin Gay Bar Street 66 Retains Late-Night License Amidst Resident Noise Complaints
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City Center Living: A Balancing Act Between Nightlife and Quiet Enjoyment
Dublin, Ireland – Street 66, a well-known gay bar located on Parliament Street in the heart of Dublin, has successfully retained its late-night dance licences, despite objections raised by a resident living in an apartment directly above the establishment. The ruling by Dublin District Court judge Máire Conneely underscores the complexities of urban living, where vibrant nightlife often intersects with residential peace.
the Resident’s Grievance: “Bonkers” Noise Levels
Tommy Bergin, the resident in question, lodged a formal complaint, describing the noise emanating from Street 66 as “bonkers.” He asserted that the music prevented him from sleeping before 3 am on Friday and Saturday nights, and also on Sunday nights preceding a bank holiday weekend. Mr. Bergin highlighted that the bar now holds a late-night licence for an extensive 130 days annually, intensifying his concerns.
Mr. Bergin, who moved into the apartment in 2019, had previously made a similar objection last year. He claimed that mitigation measures implemented following that earlier request, which had been overseen by the late Judge Marie Quirke, had yielded minimal betterment. At that time, Judge Quirke had mandated a 10-decibel reduction in music levels. Mr. Bergin’s barrister, Conor Duff, argued that the premises were fundamentally unsuitable for late-night operations.
The Bar Owner’s Defense: Investment and Passion
Siobhán Conmy, the owner of Street 66, presented a passionate defence in court. She revealed that she had invested a meaningful €58,000 in noise mitigation measures, expressing her dedication to addressing the issue. “I have always offered to do anything that people have asked. My heart is really in it,” she stated emotionally to Judge Conneely.Ms. conmy emphasized the critical importance of the late-night licence to her business, accounting for 30 per cent of her revenue. She conveyed her deep-seated fear of losing this licence, which is vital for the bar’s continued operation and its role within Dublin’s LGBTQ+ community.
Expert Testimony and judicial Considerations
The court heard from acoustics expert Diarmuid Keaney, who confirmed the installation of two noise limiters – one in the front bar and another in the back – to comply with the previous court order. Mr. Keaney affirmed that these devices had not been tampered with.
Judge Conneely noted that while the management company indicated other residents within the building had also complained, none had come forward to provide evidence. The judge also pointed out the absence of definitive Irish or EU standards for noise breaches, with experts holding differing opinions on the matter.
Crucially, Judge Conneely considered the historical context of the premises.she stated that the fact that Street 66 had operated as a late-night bar for many years was a “relevant matter that the courts must take into consideration.” Furthermore, she found it “strange” that Mr.Bergin’s complaint had persisted for three years without him directly engaging with the bar’s owner to resolve the issue.
The Verdict: upholding city Centre Vibrancy
In her ruling, Judge Conneely dismissed Mr. Bergin’s objection. She reasoned that it was ”not reasonable” for a resident to choose to live in a city centre apartment, an area inherently characterized by numerous bars and late-night venues, and expect music to be inaudible. The judge’s decision reflects a careful balancing of residential rights with the established character and economic contribution of a long-standing city centre entertainment venue. Street 66 will thus continue to operate with its late-night dance licences, contributing to Dublin’s dynamic nightlife scene.