A Dublin nightclub manager fears extending the hours for pubs and restaurants may result in people spending less money at bars.
James Berns, general manager of the top leading late-night venue Number Twenty Two on South Anne Street, voiced his concern as Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is set to unveil new plans this week.
He told Dublin Live: "If they are proposing letting the pubs and restaurants open late as well, it could absolutely counterproductive to the nightclub industry because people just arrive later to the premises after consuming alcohol elsewhere, so spending in the venues would be gone.
"It would affect us as our staff costs for the club would go through the roof.
"I generally think nightclubs should be allowed to go on later like they do in most countries in Europe but if pubs can do the same, it would be a disaster.
"So it has to be taken into consideration by separating them both, otherwise it would be a free for all.
"On a positive note, abolishing the special exemption cost for a late license would be great.
"We paid nearly €100k plus in 2019 for ours.
"On another note I would much rather the government focused on the insurance premium fiasco as this will be the real killer, trust me.
"They will double or even triple."
He added that there is a tsunami coming down the line, especially for nightclubs.
These plans are a part of government effort to revitalise nightlife in Ireland which has been long fought for before the pandemic.
Currently nightclubs and late night bars need to obtain a special exemption order from the courts under the assumption a special event is actually taking place.
James, who gained knowledge and experience working in the nightclub industry over the years, has been at the helm of momentous clubs such as Mantra in Maynooth and the Wright Venue in Swords, Dublin.
He took over as general manager of Number Twenty Two in 2019, which has been closed like many afterhours venues across the country due to the coronavirus restrictions.
The Club, built on the old iconic Mcgonagle's musical site, which hosted bands such as U2, The Pogues and The Stone Roses, established its essence and embraced the Dublin nightlife circuit by introducing well known international DJs Mick Willow, Sky High and home-grown residents Jamie Byrne, Tommy Stewart, DJ Flip, Phil Bass, Urban RnB master Frank Jezz into the fold
It's become a major celebrity haunt for pop artists, with English girl band 'Little Mix' holding their after-show party there at the end of their sold out 3Arena LM5 tour.
