Day of reckoning for the nightclubs?

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 12:05PM #1

Nightclubs have for more then 15 years ripped off gullible and pissed young people after a night in the pub and prompted and abetted a sub culture of violent drunkeness that has turned all cities in this country into an open sewer after midnight, the results of which can still be seen on the Monday morning commute frequently.

But, alas, they are in trouble and the recession will surely see the closure of most of these clubs in the coming years as their clientel base shrinks as more and more young people and graduates face the dole queue with an uncertain future.

Do you still spend as much as you did in nightclubs? Has the recession hit the nightclub you frequently would go to yet? Have you noticed a drop off in numbers - perhaps even desperate drink promotions?

Would you be sorry to see most of them go under?

It would be hard to believe most of these clubs will still be around in 3 years time IMO.

aequinoctium · 12-04-2009 12:08PM

now that they close earlier i suppose that they're that bit closer to going out of business

mikemac · 12-04-2009 12:09PM

Are they allowed advertise drink promotions?

Like in the UK, they have three for two offers for drinks on signs outside. Many other offers too.

But does this happen in Ireland, I know that pubs can't advertise a happy hour anymore. Maybe we have legislation on this. It's not as common anyway

robinph · 12-04-2009 12:09PM

I'm sure nightclubs have been around for quite a bit longer than 15 years, and I'm sure they will still be around in another 15 years as well.

My name is URL · 12-04-2009 12:11PM

I literally haven't been in a NC for 2 years. Not because of the prices, because I can think of better ways of spending a night than been crushed by a sweaty mass of students and skangers.

Now that the crowds are shrinking I might just start going to them again

niceirishfella · 12-04-2009 12:12PM

darkman2 wrote: »

It would be hard to believe most of these clubs will still be around in 3 years time IMO.

I don't agree. If you think that people are going to sit in every weekend and watch the telly, you're wrong.
People will go out and dance,pull,get hammered,high or whatever. A recession aint going to kill peoples spirit to go out an enjoy themselves to the extent that all the clubs will close.

TheZohanS · 12-04-2009 12:14PM

darkman2 wrote: »

Nightclubs have for more then 15 years ripped off gullible and pissed young people after a night in the pub and prompted and abetted a sub culture of violent drunkeness that has turned all cities in this country into an open sewer after midnight, the results of which can still be seen on the Monday morning commute frequently.

But, alas, they are in trouble and the recession will surely see the closure of most of these clubs in the coming years as their clientel base shrinks as more and more young people and graduates face the dole queue with an uncertain future.

Do you still spend as much as you did in nightclubs? Has the recession hit the nightclub you frequently would go to yet? Have you noticed a drop off in numbers - perhaps even desperate drink promotions?

Would you be sorry to see most of them go under?

It would be hard to believe most of these clubs will still be around in 3 years time IMO.

The end of the world is nigh.

Nodin · 12-04-2009 12:14PM

darkman2 wrote: »

Nightclubs have for more then 15 years ripped off gullible and pissed young people after a night in the pub and prompted and abetted a sub culture of violent drunkeness that has turned all cities in this country into an open sewer after midnight, the results of which can still be seen on the Monday morning commute frequently..

So its Nightclubs that are to blame for everything!!!!!!!

I remember back 20 and 25 years ago when you were stuck with a bottle of vinegar for 20 pound in a dingy basement in Leeson street and that was your "Nightclub"....and funny enough there was more than enough violent drunkeness on the streets back then.

ParkRunner · 12-04-2009 12:14PM

I passed Quinns in Drumcondra during the week and it reminded me of the Celtic Tiger years with big queues of people waiting to get in and taxi's in high demand. Students still have cash to splash it seems.The local has become noticeably quieter though.

City centre (Dublin) nightclubs seem to be as busy as ever from what I can see. Those outside the city will really feel the pinch though

Peadar06 · 12-04-2009 12:19PM

Last night, I went to my first nightclub in maybe two years in Ireland, and saying this I won't be going again. €6 for a Heineken and €17.20 for 2 jagerbombs, Also €15 at the door, :mad::mad: and we are supposed to be in a recession. A joke of a country. In Liverpool a month ago, I got 4 pints and 4 jagerbombs for less than £20:eek::eek:. I think I will going over to the UK more often.

Peter

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 12:20PM

niceirishfella wrote: »

I don't agree. If you think that people are going to sit in every weekend and watch the telly, you're wrong.
People will go out and dance,pull,get hammered,high or whatever. A recession aint going to kill peoples spirit to go out an enjoy themselves to the extent that all the clubs will close.

A lack of money will. Im not saying people will not still go to the pub but things are changing in the country. The dole will have to be cut (though if your on the dole and going to nightclubs with a family at home or whatever you really should have a good look at yourself)...all these welfare payments will have to be cut. Those lucky enough to have a job will value it a hell of alot more and think twice about blowing money we have. I use to go to nightclubs but since the recession started caution has become the order of the day for me and alot of other people who would frequently have gone. I know alot of friends who you use to go that have almost lost everything at this stage and are struggling on welfare. This is repeated up and down the country.

Im all up for a laugh and a drinking session in the pub or whatever but, nightclubs, those days are over for me even though im still young. Id rather be cautious. Everyone has to make cuts somewhere. I can live without the nightclub.

robinph · 12-04-2009 12:33PM

Your just getting older and are so not interested in the likes of night clubs anymore or don't have the energy or moves. Fairly sure that there will still be lots of kids prepared to go and spend thier cash at night clubs for many years to come, even if you no longer have the inclination.

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 12:39PM

robinph wrote: »

Your just getting older and are so not interested in the likes of night clubs anymore or don't have the energy or moves. Fairly sure that there will still be lots of kids prepared to go and spend thier cash at night clubs for many years to come, even if you no longer have the inclination.

At 21? Im too old???? lol, probrably younger then you;) I probrably will still go to nightclubs but not every week, as in what I was doing last year. More like once every month or two and it would have to be for some celebratory reason.

sunnyjim · 12-04-2009 12:39PM

EF wrote:

I passed Quinns in Drumcondra during the week and it reminded me of the Celtic Tiger years with big queues of people waiting to get in and taxi's in high demand. Students still have cash to splash it seems.The local has become noticeably quieter though.

Peadar06 wrote:

Last night, I went to my first nightclub in maybe two years in Ireland, and saying this I won't be going again. €6 for a Heineken and €17.20 for 2 jagerbombs, Also €15 at the door, and we are supposed to be in a recession. A joke of a country. In Liverpool a month ago, I got 4 pints and 4 jagerbombs for less than £20. I think I will going over to the UK more often.

I was in Quinns last week - 2 vodka redbulls and 2 bottles of beer cost 12 euro. 2 beers for a fiver, 2 vodkas and a rebull for 7 quid!

That is why Quinns is busy, and other clubs are doing ****e - they've copped on the good days are over. It's good to see it's doing business if it's dropped its prices. People have started voting with their hard-earned.

EDIT: In my local, 4 bottles of beer would cost me about 20 euro. 4 pints would cost about 18 euro. And that is cheap for a pub! If Quinns can afford to do it, others can. I've started mentioning these prices to the staff at my local, I'm hoping they'll squeez in a few offers!

godtabh · 12-04-2009 12:40PM

I was in a night club last Saturday nihgt. Best night of the year so far.

You wana pay the prices. Fine. Dont complain about it here. You dont want to pay the prices do something else but dont complain about it here

abouttobebanned · 12-04-2009 12:42PM

I think the OP is just someone who doesn't go to Night Clubs and is slightly bitter.

However, charging €15 in and then charging those drink prices is simply mindless...and also stupidity if you're going to pay those prices. Night clubs, like other industries are going to have to improve their value for money if they're going to survive. If one leads, the rest will have no choice but to follow.

And I also think your choice of words was a bit silly

perhaps even desperate drink promotions?

If this is the case then the whole country is a bit desperate at the moment. This is probably the reason why night clubs are not giving us more value for money...because people like you will call it "desperation" as apposed to offering more value for money in a tough economic climate.

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 12:43PM

kearnsr wrote: »

You wana pay the prices. Fine. Dont complain about it here. You dont want to pay the prices do something else but dont complain about it here

That's so Irish - don't complain. Be happy to be ripped off:rolleyes:

TestTransmission · 12-04-2009 12:44PM

niceirishfella wrote: »

I don't agree. If you think that people are going to sit in every weekend and watch the telly, you're wrong.
People will go out and dance,pull,get hammered,high or whatever. A recession aint going to kill peoples spirit to go out an enjoy themselves to the extent that all the clubs will close.

trying living with ur missus,that'll do it :pac:

robinph · 12-04-2009 12:49PM

darkman2 wrote: »

At 21? Im too old????

Didn't say that, but you are older than when you started going to nightclubs are you not? Just bored of them for a a while I suspect, you'll probably get over it.

darkman2 wrote: »

lol, probrably younger then you;)

Couldn't possibly comment.

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 12:51PM

abouttobebanned wrote: »

I think the OP is just someone who doesn't go to Night Clubs and is slightly bitter.

However, charging €15 in and then charging those drink prices is simply mindless...and also stupidity if you're going to pay those prices. Night clubs, like other industries are going to have to improve their value for money if they're going to survive. If one leads, the rest will have no choice but to follow.

And I also think your choice of words was a bit silly

If this is the case then the whole country is a bit desperate at the moment. This is probably the reason why night clubs are not giving us more value for money...because people like you will call it "desperation" as apposed to offering more value for money in a tough economic climate.

Mark my words - half the businesses in this country are going to shut down - especially those that depend on descretionary spending. Nightclubs top the list and the cherry for them is that they rip you off blatantly and openly cause your too pissed to care. We are not going back to the 80's - we're goin back to the 40's. I believe firmly that people are going to starve in this country again in the coming years (not on mass as in the famine but individual cases will rise) - Homelessness is going to rocket - poverty will get out of control...emigration will be the killer of whats left of the "Economy"...nightclubs closing are going to be the least of peoples problems. Anyone left who believes unemployment won't exceed 20%? A more frugal living is inevitable. You can be blase about it now as the last trappings of wealth are squandered by what is left to the young and as the daily flow of money out of the country speeds up. It's running out for the population as a whole. Is it possible that some still don't realise just how bad things are going to get!?

jester77 · 12-04-2009 12:53PM

Haven't been to a nightclub in years, usually just stay in the pubs till 4 or 5 and then head home.

Euro_Kraut · 12-04-2009 12:57PM

jester77 wrote: »

Haven't been to a nightclub in years, usually just stay in the pubs till 4 or 5 and then head home.

Ah I love Germany.. you prob take a tram home too don't you?

If only they would cut out the smoking I would be over there in a flash.

Ulysses Gaze · 12-04-2009 01:01PM

Is it possible that some still don't realise just how bad things are going to get!?

I think so yes. We are still at the denial stage for a lot of people. In terms of cost of living (hasn't dropped significantly), house prices, and how bad the banking situation really is.

In terms of nightclubs, some will survive and they will be the ones that open their eyes to the new reality and start pricing drink accordingly (and also stop charging exhorbitant prices just for the 'honour' of entering the establishment). And I'd say the same for pubs as well.

At the moment they may be busy with students but remember that most students either:

a) rely on their parents giving them cash to go out (and that is going to take a massive hit come May 1st when the budget measures come fully into effect.)

and/or

b) Part time work (which will start to dry up)

jester77 · 12-04-2009 01:01PM

Euro_Kraut wrote: »

Ah I love Germany.. you prob take a tram home too don't you?

If only they would cut out the smoking I would be over there in a flash.

Sure do

It has been banned in a lot of bars but it will soon be all bars. There is always loop holes and many bars are taking advantage of those, such as declaring yourself as a smoking club!

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 01:01PM

It begins.....

Cork’s Rebel Bar Group collapses
Sunday, April 05, 2009 By Ian Kehoe
thepost.ie

More than 140 jobs are at risk following the collapse of one of the country’s largest pub groups. The Rebel Bar Group, which owns a chain of 18 pubs, nightclubs and off-licences in Cork, went into liquidation late last Friday, after the company’s directors informed the High Court that the company was insolvent.

The Cork company owns a chain of landmark establishments including the Savoy Music Venue on Patrick Street in the city. It also owns the Manhattan bar in Ballyphehane in Cork, Sam’s Bar in Ballincollig and Lakelands in Mahon Point in Cork.

The company has leased out ten of its establishments, which are continuing to trade. A number of loss-making pubs have been closed since the appointment of the liquidator, KPMG insolvency partner Kieran Wallace.

It is expected that Wallace will attempt to keep the group trading as a going concern as he attempts to find buyers for the various premises. The Savoy Music Venue has been closed down, and the company is in the process of refunding for concert and gig tickets. The Rebel Bar Group is owned by Cork businessmen Tom and Sam Scriven. The group has expanded rapidly in recent years, acquiring a number of premises throughout Co Cork.

However, the company has suffered from the decline in the drink and hospitality sector and the overall deterioration in the Irish economy. The company told the High Court that it was no longer in a position to meet its debts, triggering the appointment of the liquidator. Wallace has initially been installed as provisional liquidator.

A full hearing on the appointment will be heard in the coming days. The collapse comes just weeks after the Thomas Read group, the Dublin pub chain, went into receivership after failing to survive a period of examinership.

GiftofGab · 12-04-2009 01:03PM

kearnsr wrote: »

I was in a night club last Saturday nihgt. Best night of the year so far.

You wana pay the prices. Fine. Dont complain about it here. You dont want to pay the prices do something else but dont complain about it here

Did you get laid???? How much did she cost???

darkman2 · 12-04-2009 01:05PM

Ulysses Gaze wrote: »

I think so yes. We are still at the denial stage for a lot of people. In terms of cost of living (hasn't dropped significantly), house prices, and how bad the banking situation really is.

In terms of nightclubs, some will survive and they will be the ones that open their eyes to the new reality and start pricing drink accordingly (and also stop charging exhorbitant prices just for the 'honour' of entering the establishment). And I'd say the same for pubs as well.

At the moment they may be busy with students but remember that most students either:

a) rely on their parents giving them cash to go out (and that is going to take a massive hit come May 1st when the budget measures come fully into effect.)

and/or

b) Part time work (which will start to dry up)

And just the minor matter of the reintroduction of collage fees aswell. Though it's game, set and match in terms of unemployment for students. Look at the 500 people, most of them Irish, who queued outside a new McDonalds for hours on end in Co Galway hoping to land one of 50 jobs last week.

And like I say dole payments are going to be slashed with many more cut or means tested in future.

This does not bode well particularly for the nightclubs - the skangers and the students both being hit.

Schism · 12-04-2009 01:07PM

kearnsr wrote: »

I was in a night club last Saturday nihgt. Best night of the year so far.

You wana pay the prices. Fine. Dont complain about it here. You dont want to pay the prices do something else but dont complain about it here

I agree completely.

@Darkman. Yes night clubs are a rip off but people are still flocking to them even though they know this (myself included). It's the pubs that are going to be feeling it more so in the years to come.

Last Saturday was just an ordinary night and I couldn't believe how packed my regular club was, at the end of the day people are still going to go out and have fun.

niceirishfella · 12-04-2009 01:15PM

darkman2 wrote: »

A lack of money will. Im not saying people will not still go to the pub but things are changing in the country. The dole will have to be cut (though if your on the dole and going to nightclubs with a family at home or whatever you really should have a good look at yourself)...all these welfare payments will have to be cut.

True, but a lack of money will make people think of every money area in their life, but it's not going to stop them going out to FORGET this fecking recession (as people are fcuking sick of it and the media pushing of it)
Infact, research shows that people seek more entertainment in recessions, like they watch more TV and the like.
Re; the dole, well there is no political will to cut social welfare payments because the gov know if they do that, they'll be out on their ear.

ShooterSF · 12-04-2009 01:17PM

I don't see clubs struggling to get in numbers as most will drink in houses and then head into clubs at night. I agree with above it will be pubs that'll suffer. Once they have you in the door at say €15 a head they have covered their costs assuming they still fill up. People might drink less in the clubs but ya'd be surprised what the average spend is in a club. Last club I worked in the average spend of a 1000 people on a saturday was €20 per head.

niceirishfella · 12-04-2009 01:18PM

darkman2 wrote: »

We are not going back to the 80's - we're goin back to the 40's. I believe firmly that people are going to starve in this country again in the coming years

Ermmmmmmm..............ok:rolleyes:

Day of reckoning for the nightclubs?

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