Cabinet to approve law allowing nightclubs to stay open until 6am
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Nightclubs will be allowed to stay open until 6am, and pubs will be permitted longer operating hours, under new laws to be approved by Cabinet today.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee will seek approval for the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill to modernise Ireland's 200-year-old licencing laws.
As well as extending nightclub hours, pubs will be allowed to stay open to 12.30am every day, while late bars can operate to 2.30am daily. The changes will bring an end to early closing on Sundays.
The minister intends to enact the bill in 2023.
The understands that opening hours for pubs will be standardised, with the option of serving from 10.30am to 12.30am seven days a week.
Nightclubs will have the option to remain open until 6am, with the requirement that alcohol cannot be served after 5am, but dancing is allowed to continue until closing time.
Opening hours for late bars will remain at 2.30am, and a new permit will be required.
The conditions for a late bar and nightclub permit include a requirement to have CCTV on the premises and have security staff properly accredited with the Private Security Authority.
Ms McEntee will tell Cabinet the new regime aims to support the development of nighttime culture and economy, after much criticism from the sector and a raft of nightclub closures.
To assuage public health concerns, the new bill will also emphasise that the sale of alcohol cannot be treated like the sale of any other good.
“We must retain restrictions on its sale and on who is permitted to sell it, and to whom,” the Cabinet memo states.
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has been pressing for these reforms and believes these were essential to bring Irish alcohol licensing in line with European norms.
Donall O'Keefe, chief executive of the LVA, said: “These reforms have been badly needed and much anticipated across the industry.
"Once the revised measures come into effect we will finally have licensing laws fit for the 21st century.
"The simple fact is that there is a demand out there for late night socialising and for nightclubs to operate for longer hours.
"This is what happens in other cities across Europe and what is expected from modern nightlife.
"Despite Irish pubs and hospitality being internationally renowned, the relatively early closing times have seemed out of step with both foreign and domestic expectations.
"Thankfully this is now set to change," Mr O'Keefe concluded.