New licence laws could the first step towards a more 'vibrant' Dublin post-pandemic, according to one of the capital's biggest business groups.
DublinTown, which count 2,500 city centre businesses as its members, believe that the mooted new rules could be the beginning of transforming the capital once the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us.
Pubs and nightclubs would be allowed to stay open later and Sunday hours would be scrapped as part of the huge reforms on the way from Justice Minister Helen McEntee.
She is bringing proposals to allow some late bars and nightclubs open past 2.30am in a move that will modernise nightlife in Ireland.
There will soon be more staggered closing times.
It is also being proposed that the antiquated rules that sees pubs have to pull the shutters down early on a Sunday evening at 11pm be binned.
Pub closing hours on a Sunday will be the same as normal weeknights – 11.30pm.
And the areas like theatres and venues that can legally serve alcohol will be expanded.
It is also hoped more sensible and liberal opening times will appeal to tourists and help that industry too when it gets back on its feet.
Ms McEntee said: “Our pub, hospitality and cultural sectors are an intrinsic part of our social fabric but have been hardest hit by the pandemic, with many not opening their doors for a year.
“I want to help and support these businesses as they get back on their feet.
“But, as we plan how our economy and society will look after the pandemic, I also believe we need to broaden the range of cultural offerings available in the night time economy.”
And the DublinTown group believe this is just the start of revolutionising nightlife in the capital.
The group have already called for long-term protection for arts venues to protect them after a number in the capital were closed down over the last couple of years.
And they have also made a number of other suggestions that they believe must come soon when the nighttime economy reopens.
They said: "Despite encouraging trends pre-COVID there is a concern shared by many around Dublin losing some of its iconic arts and culture spaces.
"A vibrant arts and culture scene is crucial to the city and business diversity.
"In its ENTE submission to the Government, DublinTown has called for the introduction of protected uses within the planning act which would give long-term protection to arts and cultural spaces within the city.
"Reform of licensing laws is just one aspect needed for a vibrant ENTE in Dublin City Centre.
"The proposed reforms as announced today will assist in addressing the ‘terminal hour’ when many patrons find themselves exiting premises and seeking transport home at the same time.
"However, there are other issues that must also be addressed. If we want a strong and quality ENTE, we all have a part to play including state and private bodies.
"We will need 24-hour public transport, investment public spaces including outdoor lighting and public seating, use of facilities such as car parks for the use as taxi ranks that would allow for seating, toilet facilities, and potentially food offerings all within safe, secure, and monitored locations.
"This is all part of the need for better planning of the city post-pandemic."
For the latest news and breaking news visit dublinlive.ie/news.
Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @DublinLive - the official Dublin Live Twitter account - real news in real time.
We're also on Facebook/dublinlive - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the capital.
