Ireland is behind other countries when it comes to implementing a strategy for the capital’s nightlife, according to Dublin’s Night-Time Economy Advisor.
Ray O’Donoghue said that now is the time for the Government to take the issue seriously.
At the first dedicated conference on the night-time economy, there were also calls to move responsibility for licencing law from the Departments of Justice to the Department of Culture.
The conference also heard about the need for support for grassroots venues who, Mr O’Donoghue says, have been crucial to the success of Irish artists currently taking the music industry by storm.
Two years on since a strategy for the capital’s nightlife was published, Mr O’Donoghue said he believes that there could be more action from policy makers.
“Nothing happens overnight,” he said. “There are cities across Europe and around the world that have been working on strategies for decades.
“We’re behind, but we’re catching up, we’re getting there and I think now’s the time for policymakers to take the night-time economy seriously.
Mr O’Donoghue said that the night-time economy was a lot more than pubs, clubs and restaurants, but rather everything that happens from 6pm to 6am.
“Whether that’s safety, transport, right up to culture.”
“The licensing laws are a good example, they’re still outdated,” he said.
“We’ve got laws that go back to the 1800s, we’ve got dance licences that go back to the 1930s. It’s not about just staying open late, that’s not what I’m shouting from the rooftops, I think it’s about clarity and giving us licensing laws that a modern European capital should have.”
He also outlined the importance of support grassroots venues to the rise of Irish artists.
“Whether it’s your Fontaines D.C. or your CMAT, they don’t start in Slane or in Malahide Castle. They have to start in grassroots venues, and they’ve a hard slog right across Ireland, across the UK, across Europe.
“This is where the seeds are laid for these acts … And those grassroots venues are integral and are really important.”
The future of the nightclub industry is also being discussed at the conference, with calls for the Government to enact promised reforms for the sector.
Dr Ciara Power, of the Give us the Night campaign, said that they want responsibility for licencing laws transferred from the Department of Justice.
“The previous Government had committed to drafting and putting forward the sale of alcohol bill in 2022, and this Government has deprioritised that and doesn’t seem to be following through on the commitments made by the previous justice minister.
“We feel now that a constructive conversation needs to be had about whether licensing legislation is best placed in the Department of Justice, or whether it needs to move over to the Department of Culture and find its home in the nighttime economy unit.
“This wouldn’t be an unusual thing if we look at our neighbouring nations,” she said.
“Up North, licensing falls within the Department for Communities and is still administered by the courts. Across the Irish Sea, licensing falls within local councils because it’s considered a planning issue.
“So we want something similar, and we feel now is the right time to do that.”
The Future of the Dublin Pub was also discussed, with delegates hearing how the global image of the Irish pub is shifting to cater for different audiences.
The owner of the Vintage Inn in Dublin’s Ringsend, Kathy Gleeson, explained how she has diversified business in her suburban pub.
“I would describe my pub as an events company, first and foremost,” she said.
“We do a speed quiz every Wednesday, we do drag bingo, we have an Irishtown folk session, we do live music, we have Sunday roast, wedding day twos, everything.
“I think when you tap into what’s around you, audience-wise, especially if you’re in the suburbs, you don’t have to cast the net too wide to look for inspiration to fill your business and keep going.
“The pub needs to find its new place always.”
International experts from the UK and the EU are also among those lending their advice to members of the industry, as Ireland’s nighttime economy continues to deal with its post-Covid hangover.
