Business welcomes announcement of later opening hours for night-time economy

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has welcomed today’s announcement from Government to allow longer opening hours for pubs, clubs, as well as additional supports to help businesses and communities adjust to licensing law changes.

Focus must now be afforded to ensuring late-night transport arrangements, events, public safety and policing and other key elements of the night-time economy are sufficient to support the amended operating hours for those operating in this important sector.  

Ibec Executive Director, Membership and Sectors, Sharon Higgins said: “The night-time economy is a core component of the wider Experience Economy. Today’s announcement will be key to revitalisation and growth of the cities, towns, and villages across the country. 

“Government must examine how other countries, and cities in particular, address licensing and regulations alongside late-night transport arrangements, events, public safety and policing, diversity and inclusion, and quality of life issues. 

“This is an important first step in revitalising the broader night-time economy. Ibec looks forward to continuing to work with Government in implementing some of the ambitions for the Experience Economy as set out by its Night Time Economy Taskforce. This includes the role out of night-mayors or night-time economy advisors that can assist in coordinating the implementation of key measures, as well as promoting greater diversity in premises types. Each of these measures can underpin economic competitiveness, boosting resilience, diversity, and inclusivity of urban centres across the country.”