Legislation permitting clubs and bars to open later expected to go to Cabinet next month

Legislation allowing pubs, bars and nightclubs to extend opening hours is expected to be brought to government in October, Taoiseach Simon Harris has told The Journal.

The much-anticipated legislative changes were signed off on a draft of the Sale of Alcohol Bill almost two years ago, with Government initially saying that later openings would come in to effect for summer 2023.

The Taoiseach said he remains committed to getting the legislation in place, though there are doubts on whether the bill would be passed before the next general election, which is looking likely to be in March 2025.

“I expect that to go to Cabinet very shortly…being very honest, whether it passes the Oireachtas in the lifetime of this Government is a matter for the Oireachtas and other things,” Harris said.

“It’s a matter for the minister [of Justice], but I expected it to go, I wouldn’t be surprised if it goes, in the month of October, but it is a matter for the minister.”

Artists and members of the nightlife industry have long been advocating for changes to Ireland’s licensing laws.

In July, campaign group Give Us The Night 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 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.

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.