Proposals for nightclubs to stay open until 6am going to Cabinet today

The Minister for Justice hopes to enact laws “that reflect the changing expectations and lifestyles of 21st century Ireland”.

Chatter about keeping nightclubs open until 6am has been ongoing for years; a proposal to enact it is finally going to Cabinet today. If successful, the bill would likely be enacted some time in 2023. While the sale of alcohol will strictly stop at 5am, the hope is that nightclubs will be able to remain open until 6am. According to The Journal,

"Justice Minister Helen McEntee will bring forward the proposals in an attempt to “reform Ireland’s antiquated licensing laws”. Some of these laws date back to the 19th century, while two thirds of the laws predate the foundation of the State 100 years ago."

Giving nightclubs the option to remain open later is meant to help develop Ireland's nighttime economy. Larger nightclubs and venues will be able to avail of nighttime permits. These reform measures also aim to standardise opening hours for pubs, meaning they can remain open past 10:30pm nightly. Tanaiste Leo Varadkar floated this idea as far back as 2019; the pandemic caused its development to be put on hold. The Journal reports that he, "said some tourists that come to Irish cities, who have experienced the night life in other European cities abroad, say that Irish nightlife “can be disappointing”. Header image via Shutterstock & Instagram/copperfacejacks READ ON: Santa experiences are selling out faster than ever this year