We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Late-night licensing laws

Summary

Deputy O’Gorman links the Hoxton Hotel injunction to Dublin’s declining nightlife and asks for modernised licensing laws and later opening hours; the Taoiseach undertakes to consult the Justice Minister.

The injunction taken by the Hoxton Hotel taken against one of the few late nightclub venues left in our city centre is one more example of how clubbing and any sort of late night social setting is becoming impossible in Dublin. I know the Taoiseach will not want to discuss the specifics of the legal case, and that is fine, but would he not agree that this situation demonstrates why our country's licensing laws are so outdated and why the Government needs to proceed with the changes to the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022, create more flexibility for late night opening and introduce the concept of a night-time permit? Will the Taoiseach take steps to show that his Government truly values the night-time economy? Will he also show that the Government understands the desire of people, young and not so young, to be able to enjoy nightlife in this city and around the country?

Comment on this

I do understand, Deputy, that there are those, like your good self, among us who have plenty of energy and so on. The Deputy will recall that was discussed by a previous Government and Cabinet. I will engage with the Minister for justice and ask him where that legislation lies. As the Deputy knows, there have been different views across the House on how far the legislation is going. Some wanted the opening hours to go until 6 a.m., and the Deputy is nodding approvingly. There is an issue around the night-time economy. There have been different dimensions to that debate. I will speak to the Minister of justice to see where we are on that and to bring clarification to the House.

Comment on this