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Late Night Clubs

  • 07-04-2009 12:31am
    #1
    SRFC90
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,628 ✭✭✭


    Probabaly a bit different to your usual topics but anyway...

    I know that law came in a while back saying clubs must close at 2:30am (in slightly more techincal terms than that), but a few of my friends have been saying that various clubs in Dublin stay open till 3am, 3:30am and even some 4am legally due to late night licenses!!

    Is this true? I always thought all clubs had to be shut by half 2.....? Am I wrong?

    Is there conditions or licenses that can be attained to stay open later?


Comments

  • #2
    Jev/N
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,456 ✭✭✭Jev/N


    All clubs are essentially run on pub licenses with late night extensions, there are still no nightclub licenses under Irish legislation. Clubs (and late bars) legally have to have finished serving alcohol by 2:00 with 30 mins drinking up time (or 2:30 & 30 mins drinking up, I can't remember!) - anything after that is just chancing their arm and technically illegal but it's up to the cops to deal with it.


  • #3
    juke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,673 ✭✭✭juke


    Jev/N wrote: »
    2:30 & 30 mins drinking up,
    As far as i know this is correct for thu-sat nights


  • #4
    dee8839
    Closed Accounts Posts: 283 ✭✭dee8839


    But what about places like CFJs? They're definitely open until nearer to 4am, though I'm not sure exactly what time they stop serving. Can't imagine it would be much before closing though or people wouldn't stay. And there are a few places on Leeson St that stay going even later because they have a wine licence only and serve dodgy food. Is this some sort of loophole?


  • #5
    focusing
    Closed Accounts Posts: 140 ✭✭focusing


    Holders of a pub licence and dance licence can apply for a Special Exemption Order from the District Court which allows them a "once-off" exemption to serve to as late as 2:30am (1am on a Sunday night).

    Previously, clubs could use a Theatre Licence to serve alcohol to as late as 4am without having to apply to court for special exemptions, but this loophole was recently closed.

    Nightclubs must apply for numerous exemptions every month. Special Exemptions require a €410 fee per night, recently increased from €210 per night. Due to the necessity to regularly apply to court, considerable Garda and court resources are required.

    Clubs who serve past 2:30am now are breaking the law, but have no doubt been given quiet permission to open late by Gardai who are eager to spread the exit of crowds onto the street over a longer period, to reduce public disorder.

    Were the law strictly applied, every club would empty onto the streets at the same time. The advantage of the old Theatre Licence was that while some clubs closed at 2:30am, others closed at 3:30am or 4am, spreading the exit of patrons over a longer period.

    If anyone wants more details on the laws in this area, just drop me a PM.


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