CLUB TOGETHER
»»Venues throw open their doors after 19 long months »»But industry seethes over ‘unworkable’ ticket system
IRELAND’S nightlife is back with a bang as clubs reopened for the first time in 19 months.
But it’s feared a new headache is looming for the industry around “unworkable” ticketing requirements.
Several nightclubs in Dublin stayed shut last night due to what they called “unclear guidance” on new restrictions.
Just hours before late night venues threw open their doors after almost 600 days, the Government confirmed live music events, even in small pubs, must be ticket-only from next week.
The move has been slammed by the sector, with the group representing the majority of Dublin pubs describing the proposals as “Keystone Cops meets Father Ted”. It remains unclear how ticketing will work.
Donall O’keeffe, chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the move was a “disaster for late bars, nightclubs and musicians”.
He added: “It simply won’t
possible to put such a system in place, it contradicts the very nature of social activity in Ireland.
“The very fact that this bombshell was dropped on the trade at 6.30pm on the very evening they reopen after 585 days of closure shows how appalling the Government planning for our reopening has been.”
Padraig Cribben, head of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, described the process of reopening as “shambolic”.
He said: “We’re extremely worried the new guidelines will lead to public order incidents as ticketless groups gather outside clubs.
“Right now it’s in a total mess with no leadership from Government.”
It appears tickets will have to be booked online so customers can show them on their phone, meaning pubs and clubs will have to set up their own booking system.
Industry groups will meet Government officials on Tuesday to hammer out the final details of the new regime.
The intention of the new rule is to target bars that effectively turn into nightclubs, but bars with small bands, where people might get up and dance, would also be hit under the new plans.
In tandem with the new move, extra contact tracing measures are being introduced.
Arts Minister Catherine Martin said the restrictions were necessary for the return of late-night entertainment while “balancing public health”.
But Sunil Sharpe, a DJ and spokesman for the Give Us The Night campaign, a group of professionals operating within the night-time industry, said the late announcement of the ticketing requirement was typical of the Government’s “incoherent” approach. He told the Irish Mirror: “They’re just making it up as they go, it’s extraordinary.
“Why not do a review after this weekend and Halloween and then decide if you need to enforce this ticket-only requirement?
“There’s more than enough regulations as it is, some of which haven’t even been tested yet.
“It’s been abysmal.” Meanwhile,
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said it is “increasingly clear that Covid will be with us forever” and that a reintroduction of restrictions can’t be ruled out.
However, the Fine Gael leader told people to enjoy themselves in reopened nightclubs and said the country has done as much as it can on the vaccination front.
Mr Varadkar added: “I would say to people, whatever you’re doing, absolutely enjoy yourself but do stay safe.
“I think everyone in Government
They’re making it up as they go... it’s abysmal SUNIL SHARPE OF GIVE US THE NIGHT CAMPAIGN
585 The number of days nightclubs were closed since start of Covid
is going to be a little bit worried about what we face into for the next couple of weeks.
“But there does come a point where we have to try to live with this virus and that point is now because we’re so well vaccinated as a population.”
Yesterday was scheduled to see the end of social distancing and herald a return to normal life but rocketing case numbers and increased hospitalisations have seen mask wearing and other regulations retained until February at least.
Punters going to nightclubs, which can now operate at full capacity, will be required to show their Covid cert with photo ID.
Clubbers are also urged to wear masks in close quarters in places like bathrooms and at bars, now that it is legal to
queue for service.
6.30 The time yesterday evening industry was hit with new regulations