The Taoiseach said laws to allow pubs and nightclubs to stay open until up to 6am won’t be delayed too long but joked he has no plans to dance the night away when they do.
Micheal Martin said reforming the state’s alcohol licensing system was “complex”.
The plans were first announced in the government’s Justice Plan 2022 earlier this year and it was expected the reforms would come into play before Christmas. However, it has since emerged the bill will be delayed until next year.
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When asked if he was disappointed about the delay, the Fianna Fail leader said: “I can’t say I’m that disappointed, as if I was waiting with bated breath to stay out longer.
“I don’t think it will be delayed that long. I anticipate the measures will be brought forward, comprehensive measures in relation to the night-time economy.”
The new legislation, which is being drawn up by Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Arts Minister Catherine Martin will allow pubs and clubs to open until 6am.
In April, Tanaiste Leo Varadker said the reforms would be in place this year in time for Christmas parties. The Fine Gael leader said at the time the ambition is that Ireland has a nightlife that’s “as good as anything” found in Lisbon, Berlin, or London.
Mr Varadkar has also said he didn’t believe the move would see an increase in public order offences, adding: “It can actually be better in terms of public transport, because instead of everyone rushing out on the streets looking for a taxi at the same time, it’s spread over a longer period of time.”
But Minister McEntee said yesterday revellers will have to wait until 2023.
She told The Irish Sun: “I hope to have a bill to Cabinet in the coming weeks and then... it will have to go through the houses and the committee stage. We want to get this passed as soon as possible. This is about reforming antiquated and outdated laws.”
The Taoiseach also spoke to The Irish Mirror about the housing crisis.
Figures released last month show a staggering 10,805 accessed emergency accommodation in August – which is a record. He said: “The (housing) issue is an ongoing issue, it is the most significant social issue facing us.
“It’s going to take some time but we need to get house-building up to a critical mass of 35,000 per annum and that’s the key – it’s ongoing work.”
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