Max HeyraudTomorrow is the final day to register to vote, and the impending general election has significant ramifications for the future of Irish nightlife. From immediately amending late-night venue licensing laws to improving transportation for nightlife culture, governments’ willingness to channel financing into cultural events, noise pollution, and other issues.
Tomorrow is the last day to register for the 2024 General Election, one of the most culturally significant in recent memory, as the country debates issues like immigration policy, climate action, the cost of living crisis, rising emigration, the housing shortage, and increasing rents. While these hot topics dominate mainstream media and voter discussions, nightclub licensing reform remains a crucial issue—especially for younger voters, who stand to be most affected by the registration deadline.
For young people, nightlife is more than just entertainment, it’s a crucial part of culture, community, and local economies. However, restrictive licensing laws and early closing hours limit access to nightlife scenes in cities across the country. With venues already facing economic and regulatory pressures, elected officials in the upcoming election will have the power to pass legislation that either supports or stifles these spaces. Voting for candidates who prioritise the arts, cultural preservation, and community spaces could be key to keeping nightlife alive—making it more important than ever for young voters to register and make their voices heard.
These issues are nothing new, generation after generation, young people have watched nightlife spaces and cultural hubs be swept aside in favour of hotels, overpriced student accommodations, or chain establishments – places that add little to a country struggling with a deep identity crisis. In Dublin, legendary venues like Andrew’s Lane Theatre (later known as Hangar) and The Tivoli Theatre (District 8) were more than music venues, they were essential to the city’s cultural and social fabric. These were places where generations gathered, enjoyed a diversity of shows, and celebrated the idea of community. When people paid admission, they weren’t just supporting a business, they were investing in the local community and its cultural heartbeat.
Spaces like these, rooted in Irish historical and contemporary culture, offered a platform for countless creative expressions, and it’s hard not to wonder how they might have evolved in another 10, 20, or 50 years. London has its iconic Fabric, and Glasgow has Sub Club, each of these venues has contributed uniquely to the cities’ identities. But as we watch Dublin’s club scene being dismantled before our eyes, it’s clear that we still have the power to protect what’s left. Preserving these spaces starts with a vote: electing leaders who understand and value the importance of arts, culture, and community in shaping the future of our cities.
Nightclubs face a host of challenges beyond rising rents, inflation, and operating costs. Issues like soundproofing requirements, limited late-night transportation, lack of government funding, and the government’s reluctance to reform outdated licensing laws all strain the industry. Two years ago, the Sale of Alcohol Bill was passed with the goal of extending operating hours for nightclubs and bars, granting them longer trading periods. However, despite the promise of this legislation, the government has been slow to implement these changes. It’s now clear that we won’t see any progress before the upcoming election.
Last year, the popular nightclub Dicey’s faced scrutiny when a District Court Judge inspected its operations after nearby homeowners appealed its special exemption license, which permits late-night alcohol sales. The appeal was rooted in noise complaints from residents, despite the club being located on Harcourt Street—a historic hub for late-night dancing and nightlife in Dublin. This situation raises a broader question: should neighbours have the right to challenge noise levels on a street that has been synonymous with nightclubs for decades?
Late-night transport in Ireland is scarce and unreliable, creating major headaches for nightclub-goers and staff. Unlike other European cities with 24-hour transit, Dublin’s public transport shuts down after midnight, with limited weekend buses offering little relief. This lack of affordable, safe transport not only discourages people from heading out but also leads to chaotic closing times as patrons scramble for taxis. Without proper late-night options, safety risks rise, further stifling the vibrancy and growth of Ireland’s nightlife scene. Not to mention the challenges faced by counties beyond Dublin, where getting any public transport past midnight can be nearly impossible.
The budget for next year barely acknowledges the need to support late-night venues or cultural dance spaces. While the extension of the Basic Income for Artists scheme is seen as a positive, it feels more like a distraction—a symbolic gesture meant to appear as though the government is reaching out to support the arts. In reality, many artists have already been driven out of the country due to a lack of sustainable opportunities and support. For those who do manage to access the basic income, the financial reality is grim. At just €325 per week, in the second most expensive EU country for goods and services, it’s difficult to see how this can support a fulfilling lifestyle. For many, it likely means scraping by on a basic and restrictive existence, further highlighting the government’s failure to create meaningful, long-term solutions for those working in the arts and culture sectors.
Tomorrow’s deadline is about more than just the national or global crises that dominate the headlines; it’s about preserving the spaces that bring our communities to life after dark. From nightclub licensing reform to arts funding, the policies shaped by this vote will directly impact the future of nightlife. For young people, this is a crucial moment to ensure their voices are heard in decisions that affect their cultural and social lives. As venues face economic challenges, legal obstacles, and limited resources, voting for candidates who prioritise the arts and community spaces is the first step in protecting and growing our nightlife scene.
You can register to vote here.
