The hearing of charges against the owners and managers of two lap-dancing clubs for employing women without proper work permits could take up to 10 days, Dublin District Court heard yesterday.
The clubs are among four which are being prosecuted for allegedly employing workers in contravention of the Employment Permits Act 2003 following Garda raids under Operation Quest. Mr Chris Kelly, owner of Club Lapello, Dame Street, Dublin, and his company, Starshine View, together face six summonses for not having work permits for three women on June 5th, 2003.
Mr Kelly faces a further charge of unlawful possession of a firearm which was allegedly found in a search of his home on the same night as the club was raided. There could be up to 50 witnesses for prosecution alone.
The second case is against La Petite, Barry's Hotel, Great Denmark Street, Dublin. Three people involved in it, Mr Edward Fahy, Ms Sinead Fahy and Mr Paul Lawless, along with the company which owns the club, Archester Ltd, face 28 summonses relating to seven non-EU women found in the club on June 5th and 12 summonses for August 18th in respect of three women. Judge Timothy Lucey adjourned both cases for four weeks.