Mr. James Finan:

We are not proposing changes to how bars operate. The licensing system is restrictive when running a large venue, owing to the cost of entertainment and the limited hours during which we can operate. The system promotes the selling of alcohol because there is only a small window in which to do business. The system in place here is not comparable to that in any other city in Europe, even when it comes to putting together a programme of entertainment. Sometimes an agent or manager will laugh and ask why his or her clients are going on so early if they are the headline acts because they are so used to playing later. It is really hard to continue with this model. Many venues are closing both in Dublin and rural areas. It is an economic decision. If it is not possible to run a business successfully, one changes the business model and that is what is happening.