Nightclubs closing at 2.30am

[borntorum]

There's an interesting article in today's Irish Times about the change brought in from August 1st requiring all nightclubs to be closed by 2.30am.

Apparently the change has had a devastating impact on the nightclub industry, and redundancies are expected in the new year. Tourists over here to have a good time are unimpressed by our puritanical ways. Taxi drivers are making less money.

Crucially, the Gardai have said that there has been no decrease in the amount of violent disorder on our streets. What is worse, the disorder is now happening within a more concentrated time period, making it more difficult for the Gardai to deal with it.

I was totally opposed at the time to the new regime brought in by our horribly illiberal Justice Minister Ahern. But clearly the changes have had appalling practical results, aside from the ideological argument.

Is there any hope that the government will see sense, allow people to enjoy themselves and amend the law. Or are we now in such a mean-spirited, hair-shirt mode that the idea of anyone having fun is anathema to official Ireland?

Calling time on the nightclub? - The Irish Times - Tue, Dec 16, 2008

[peader odonnell]

you wouldnt prattle on about being meanspirited ,if you were kept awake all night by them , and had to get up early for work the following morning ,a mhic ,believe you me!

[Bobert]

Bah, close them earlier again I say.

[conservative green]

This government is essentially a criminal conspiracy against the people.

There are no good reasons to support it on anything.

[CookieMonster]

I said it was a stupid idea then and it has been shown to be a stupid idea now.

[The Lighthouse Keeper]

After going to a number of European cities over the past few years and enjoyed their respective nightlife. Each time coming back, I wonder why we get any tourists to come to Ireland at all! The fogeys who draft these laws are completely out of touch!

[Bobert]

And what of the level's of violence persisting outside night clubs?

[jpc]

After going to a number of European cities over the past few years and enjoyed their respective nightlife. Each time coming back, I wonder why we get any tourists to come to Ireland at all! The fogeys who draft these laws are completely out of touch!

Totally apathetic.
Dedicated to gesture politics.
Delighted with redtape as it provides excuses for everything that they will not accomplish.

[FutureTaoiseach]

I used to be liberal on this, but now I support it, due in part to the anarchy on our streets since opening hours were liberalised. Sorry.

[alonso]

know a load of people working in Dublin clubs and this law is fcking horrific,. It is killing Dublin nightlife at a time when we need it more than ever! Backward caveman politics from a cabal of grey old men in grey old suits. Adding to the chaos both on the streets and in the economy.

(one of these days a list will be compiled of all the dumb things Fianna Fail have done since 1997 and this is up there)