Longer opening hours for nightclubs and changes in alcohol licenses according to the plan of the Minister of Justice

EXTENDED OPENING HOURS for nightclubs and licensing changes going into effect, with a radical modernization of Irish licensing laws by Judge Helen McEntee.

The plans are part of a government effort to revitalize nightlife after the Covid-19 pandemic has passed.

Minister McEntee will describe the changes as part of the 2021 Justice Plan, which will be released this week.

One element of the plans is the staggeringly long opening hours of nightclubs and night bars, something the industry has consistently championed.

Currently, nightclubs and night bars must obtain a Special Exemption Order from the District Court on the pretext that a special event is taking place.

Licensing laws are also considering changes, including efforts to simplify the process for facilities to obtain a license to sell alcohol.

Other changes, such as catering licenses for catering companies, could be considered in the future.

Minister McEntee said that social institutions such as pubs are an “intrinsic part of our social fabric,” but have been greatly affected by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As we plan how our economy and society will look after the pandemic, I also believe that we must expand the range of cultural offerings available in the nighttime economy,” the minister said.

We must make it easier for ’emerging’ venues, galleries, exhibition spaces and events to thrive and ensure we have a vibrant and safe nighttime economy.

It comes after Taoiseach Micheál Martin said yesterday that pubs and restaurants were unlikely to reopen until mid-summer.

“We do not foresee that [reopening pubs] before midsummer, ”Martin said.

“What the public health authorities are saying is that we stay with this until the end of April, then we reflect on the situation and make decisions about the months to come.”