Ivana Bacik (Independent)

We do not do so every night of the week. It is reasonable that people should be able to frequent nightclubs which stay open later than pubs. A system of sequential closing should be introduced because public safety is a real concern when large numbers of people spill out on to the streets at any one time. Difficulties arise in terms of public transport and safety for young people who walk home alone because they cannot find taxis. Anybody who has been on Dame Street or any other main street in Ireland at 3 a.m. will be aware of these problems.

It would be eminently sensible to operate a sequential closing system so that some venues can stay open later than others. Proper nightclub licences which permit people not only to drink but to dance and socialise late into the night would also be sensible. Such systems can be seen in many other countries in Europe and around the world. It would allow for the creation of a more cosmopolitan culture around drinking and tourists would feel more welcome. Dublin in particular has been marketed as a place where people can enjoy a cosmopolitan drinking culture.

On a slightly more whimsical note, it is nice to be able to dance until dawn. Nightclubs are not important only for drinking; they also offer opportunities for dancing and socialising. Unless dawn comes very early, however, we will not see it with the Bill as it stands. U-turns have already been taken in regard to early houses and off-licence partitions, so I would like the Minister of State to accept that nightclub licences are a sensible way to proceed, if not in the context of this Bill, then in the comprehensive legislation promised for autumn.