New rules regarding tickets for nightclubs to take effect tomorrow

The Irish Government has said that new rules requiring the purchase of tickets at least an hour in advance by patrons attending nightclubs will come into effect tomorrow. The announcement was made following a meeting with industry representatives today.

Nightclub and live venue operators were told that there would be no grace period – which some had requested following the publication of the new rules on Friday last.

A press release issued by the Department of Arts, Tourism, Sport, Gaeltacht, Media and Culture, explained that the main discussion at the meeting "was the requirement for all those businesses who wish to operate as a live entertainment venue or nightclub to use electronic ticketing systems as a condition of entry to their premises. It was clarified that tickets must be purchased or acquired at least one hour before arrival and must contain details to allow for robust contract tracing."

The statement emphasised that, with rising case numbers, the threat of Covid is still a very real one – and that the rules were designed bearing that in mind.

"The Government wishes to move forward with this phase of reopening; however, COVID-19 still represents a very real threat to society and the aim of these measures is to balance this new reopening phase with public health considerations," the statement added.

"The two Departments have listened to the concerns of the industry and will continue to engage throughout the reopening period. Regulations and revised guidance for the sectors impacted by this will be published this week."

Under the new rules, ticket requirements will be determined by whether dancing occurs, rather than live music. In effect, late licences in ordinary licensed premises will not require separate ticketing, even if there is a sing-song or the equivalent.

This news comes as the Department of Health was notified today of 1,631 new cases of Covid-19.

There are currently 503 patients in hospital with the virus, down ten from yesterday's figures. 101 people are in ICUs with Covid-19, an increase of four.