The Government’s Last Orders: Hopes For Late Night Pub Licenses Put on Ice

Over the last few years, Ireland has seen a steep decline in nightclubs—both the good and terrible. Yet, regardless of the quality, there was a greater choice in how late (or how far) you wanted to go. These places once lined our streets and provided memories that would last a lifetime.

While the club scene may be on life support, one thing remains constant: the Irish will always show you a good time in a pub. That’s not changing anytime soon. But for those still chasing a proper late-night session—whether it’s the young ones with endless energy or the seasoned veterans looking to roll back the years for a once-off ‘man of the match’ performance—the long-promised late license for pubs and off-licenses now seems to have been well and truly scrapped!

It appears that the bill to introduce late licensing laws has been quietly sidelined, as it is no longer a priority in the Government's legislative agenda. Chief Whip Mary Butler has unveiled the Government’s spring legislative agenda, which includes 21 priority bills. The Intoxicating Liquor Bill has been relegated to “all other legislation” for the spring session of the Dáil.

Opposition from both gardaí and the Department of Transport has given even greater signs that the bill may never come into play. So, with no late-night pub hours on the cards anytime soon, maybe it’s life’s way of telling you to grab a bag of chips, drink a Powerade and take the long, sobering walk home—unless the famous house party awaits.