Nightlife campaign group Give Us The Night have published a statement criticising the Government’s failure to "publish the licensing bill that would recognise nightclubs in Irish law", after Taoiseach Simon Harris told The Journal that the legislation was expected to be brought to government this month.

The legislative changes were signed off on a draft of the Sale of Alcohol Bill almost two years ago, with Government initial promising that later openings would come into effect in summer 2023.

Now, Give Us The Night is pointing out the government’s failure to come through with this plan, despite the licensing bill “being supposed ‘priority’ legislation in the Government's Justice Plan.” It would mark a step towards recognising “nightclubs in Irish law and bring us further into line with our EU neighbours.”

“A moderate reform at best,” the group criticised, “and they still can't do it.”

 

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“In many parts of Ireland, “ the statement continues, “closing times remain even earlier than the legal time (at 2am). We note that a small amount of clubs in areas like this are opening earlier to try to make up extra time. Which is far from ideal or workable for most venues.

“This all comes exactly two years after the Cabinet - including Taoiseach Simon Harris - approved the draft Sale of Alcohol Bill. The plan now is to publish/enact just one part of the bill (that would cover updated pub and club times), yet still no action. Why?

“While fast tracking and enacting many pieces of legislation, this government hasn't even bothered to publish (let alone enact) the licensing bill. All of their talk, promises, and using ‘good news’ nightclub stories as a media distraction when it suited. Yet nothing has been done.”

In July, the group had published a list of “priority requests” to the Government, offering suggestions for supporting venues and businesses within a revamped night-time economy.

The five key measures included "publishing and enactment of the intoxicating liquor bill 2024," waiving special exemption costs for venues with later opening hours, a push for the government to develop a nightlife plan, an increase of the yearly Night-Time economy budget to €10m and a 0% VAT rate on tickets for dance events.