We told you about this last year (see our Article) but things seem to be confirmed: The PubsIreland’s bars and nightclubs are set to extend their opening hours next year.

Open till 6 am for nightclubs

Indeed, according to several Irish media, Justice Minister Helen McEntee is due to present a proposal to the Ministerial Cabinet this Tuesday, October 25.

The proposal is part of a wider overhaul of Irish licensing law, which has been described as “antiquated”. Some of the regulations date back to the 19th century!

Under the proposal, nightclubs will be allowed to remain open till 6 am but will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 5 pm. Meanwhile, all pubs may stay open until 12:30 throughout the week (last order at the bar for customers on weekdays is now around 11:30). ‘Late bars’ will retain their exemption from serving alcohol until 2:30am.

A long standing claim

Representatives of the nightlife economy have long campaigned for longer opening hours for pubs and nightclubs as part of a reform of licensing laws to improve nightlife.

Thus, for several years, a group called “Give Us the Night” claimed to promote discussions in favor of positive changes in the laws applicable to nightlife in the country.