Give Us The Night publish list of "priority requests" to Government to support nightlife during extended opening hours.

Nightlife campaign group Give Us The Night have published a list of priority targets for Government, with suggestions for supporting venues and businesses within a revamped Night-Time economy.

The five key measures include, "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.

Campaigners met with TDs today, with spokesperson and DJ Sunil Sharpe, raising concerns over the closures of clubs and late-night bars, as well as the need for extended operating hours.

Our priority requests to the Government right now. Five key measures that will help venues within our unique sector to survive and maybe over time, thrive again. #giveusthenight pic.twitter.com/YYQtixiDKD

— Give Us The Night (@GiveUsTheNight) July 5, 2024

“Many nightclubs are on the brink of closure,” he told RTÉ. “If pubs and late bars close, there should be alternative venues available.”

Elsewhere, campaigners have urged for removal of costs associated with Special Exemption Orders (SEOs) and the importance of safety and proper planning for transportation and emergency services during a revamped night-time economy.

Despite previous assurances from Government, Sharpe continued to express his disappointment at the slow rate of progress in being made. Proposed changes to Ireland's late-night economy have been in the pipeline for a number of years now, with laws permitting  bars and clubs to be open until 6 AM being drafted in October 2022.