Mr. Padraig Cribben:

I thank the Chair. We have no great objection to renewal or review of the night-time industry. We should look at why the number of nightclubs has faded over the years. In 2008, the cost of operating beyond normal closing time went to €410 per night but that was only the commencement of it. The other big issue, and Mr. Anderson referred to it earlier, was that it became almost impossible to get insurance for running anything that had a dance licence attached to it. I can give the example of somebody whose insurance was a six-figure sum at €108,000. He closed his nightclub, which was only running one night per week, and his insurance reduced by two thirds. Insurers have had an absolute aversion to looking at the night-time economy and anything alcohol related.

I echo what Mr. O'Keeffe said about the concept of cultural venues. We have seen various institutions over the years drive through a coach and four, and where they get an inch they take a mile. A theatre can offer drinks before, during and after a play and suddenly we find they are doing 21st birthday parties and 40th anniversaries. This has to be predicated on having the seven day publican's licence. What is important is that there is consultation before a decision and not consultation after the decision is made. We will play a positive part in this but it is against the background of knowing there just cannot be entry into the licensed trade by a back door or a side door.