Music industry protests over drink proposals
Wednesday, 2 July 2008 22:18
Hundreds of people have been taking part in a demonstration outside the Dáil to call for the retention of late opening hours for nightclubs.
Under the proposals, premises with theatre licences which allow them to stay open until 3.30am would only be allowed open until 2.30am.
The protestors, who set up a DJ box in front of Leinster House, want Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern to introduce a new nightclub permit to replace it.
They argue that staggered opening hours is the best way to tackle public order problems.
Spokesman for the Give Us The Night campaign Sunil Sharpe said nightclubs should be viewed as a form of entertainment, and the issue of alcohol was very low on protestor's priorities.
Club promoter Al Keegan said the restrictions will make it more difficult to attract top class DJs to Dublin.
Mr Keegan said clubs only open at 11pm, and it was difficult to attract customers before midnight.
