Dear Editor,
There’s an increasing frustration regarding the delay in the introduction of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill by the government. Originally, it was said that the bill would be enacted by the close of 2023, and subsequently postponed to St Patrick’s Day, then Easter, then the summertime, and now it’s been deferred again to the year end.
This lack of action is perplexing considering the government’s prior stance especially during the pandemic when they had to indefinitely shut nightclubs. Their pledges seemed to include rejuvenating late bars, nightclubs and the overall night-time economy. What’s more bewildering is this stark contrast between the delay in enacting this legislation and the demand of the industry and public.
A study carried out by the Dublin City Council revealed that a compelling 62% of the citizens support nightclubs operating until the late hours. The government had proposed these timings, yet it’s still unclear whether the legislation will be enacted before the government’s term ends. Additionally, this aligns with the social expectations in contemporary European cities.
Numerous tourists visiting Dublin are often left disappointed with the early closing time of Irish nightclubs. The tourists seek the late-night social experience and the city’s current outdated licensing laws clearly contradict Dublin’s endeavour to appear as a vibrant, young, dynamic, and cosmopolitan city.
With the government’s term nearing its end, whether elections happen in autumn or next spring, the late-night bar and nightclub industry will certainly remember the government’s action, or lack thereof, concerning this legislation. The current situation underscores how the night-time economy has been left in the dark.
Yours Sincerely,
Willie Aherne, Aoife Cawley, The Palace Bar, Tom Cleary, The Temple Bar, Cathal Jackson, Copper Face Jacks (Jackson Court Hotel), Paul Clinton, Flannery’s of Camden Street, Elliot Hughes, The Porterhouse Group, Martina Keane, The Oliver St John Gogarty, Ian Keogh, The Wiley Fox, Paul Mangan, Devitts, Barney McGill.
Trevor O’Shea, associated with The Harcourt Hotel and The Bernard Shaw, is a representative for the Late Bars and Nightclubs Committee. The committee is part of the Licensed Vintners Association situated in Dublin 4.