Pubs will not be able to open all night under new laws despite claims, TDs told

In a letter to politicians, vintners groups said a new streamlined system would mean pubs can open until 12.30am every night, with the possibility of seeking a late-night permit until 2.30am.

The Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland hit back at claims made about all-night opening.

They said the proposals relating to pubs have been confused with the fact that nightclubs would be able to serve alcohol until 5am.

Currently, pubs can open from 10.30am until 11.30pm from Monday to Thursday, from 10.30am until 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays and from 12.30pm until 11pm on Sundays.​

The new legislation allows pubs to apply for extended hours until 2.30am.

A new nightclub permit would allow venues to serve alcohol until 5am and open until 6am.

The vintners groups called on the Government to publish the legislation as a matter of urgency.

“We also note that some media commentary has wrongly characterised the proposed nightclub permit as facilitating all pubs being open all night,” the letter said.

“This will clearly not be the case as the requirements of the nightclub permit are extremely demanding – requirements that we fully support.

“The overwhelming majority of pubs in Ireland will continue to trade in their usual trading hours, and the sector will continue to be tightly regulated.”

A spokesperson for the Department of Justice said the terms of this Bill are “currently being finalised and the Minister hopes to publish it in the coming months”, and it is expected to be enacted this year.