We've been saying it for decades, everywhere closing at virtually the same time was a recipe for disaster.
Nightclubs to be given go-ahead to stay open until 6am
The move will be a major boost for the hospitality industry that was decimated by the pandemic
Currently, bars are legally required to close at 11:30pm on Monday to Thursday (Getty)
Nightclubs are to be given the go-ahead to stay open until 6am as part of new legislation that will change licensing laws and provide a major boost to Ireland’s nighttime economy.
In a nutshell
A report published by Extra.ie says Government sources have stated information regarding the updated laws are due to be published “within weeks” by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. It was added that the legislation will be brought before the Oireachtas before it breaks for summer recess.
Currently, bars are legally required to close at 11:30pm on Monday to Thursday, this increases to 12:30am on Friday and Saturday and then back to 11pm on Sunday. If a bar wishes to remain open past these hours it must apply for a Special Exemption Order or SEO from its local district court.
Costing €410 per night, this order allows a bar to stay open until 2:30am. These orders were scrapped in October of last year as pubs scrambled to regain revenue lost through lockdowns; since Friday however, the requirement for a venue to have an SEO is back.
The Government sources who spoke to the publication said further details were yet to be finalised.
Response
Give Us The Night, a campaign group who have continuously lobbied the Government for 6pm to 6am trading hours and the introduction of a night mayor said in a post on Twitter, "We'd urge people to wait until an official Govt announcement is made before celebrating, but yes, we're hopeful that this is the type of time we'll see venues running to, not just in Dublin but nationwide."
Night-time economy
Earlier this year Minister for Culture and Arts, Catherine Martin announced new plans to help venues and artists in Ireland, including the implementation of a night-time economy taskforce.
In an interview with The Irish Times earlier this year, Martin said, “If we look at how far behind we are, look at Berlin where culture thrives at all hours, why does the city’s heartbeat have to end at midnight or one in the morning.”
The Government source added that the proposals laid out by the task force would be looked at over the coming weeks.
