Pubs are to see Sunday opening hours extended and nightclubs allowed stay open past 2:30am as part of the reform of licensing laws.
The changes are part of the justice reform plan due to be announced by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee.
I welcome @HMcEntee's plans to reform alcohol selling hours
New categories of alcohol licenses for cultural venues will help to develop our night-time economy
Next step @DeptCulturelRL➡️our Night-time Economy Taskforce (incl. @GiveUsTheNight) issue their report next month https://t.co/op8ojWoqYr
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) February 21, 2021
It will also see new categories for alcohol licenses introduced for cultural venues like art galleries and theatres.
The Vintners' Federation has expressed reservations about the plan - saying venues like theatres and galleries should not be allowed sell drink without a full pub licence.
The new trading hours for pubs and clubs aim to bring a boost to the sector hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sunday hours will move in line with the rest of the week, with pubs allowed to serve alcohol until 12.30am.
