Chloe MooreWhy Irish club culture needs to confront groping, silence, and the myth of the ‘normal’ night out.
Nightlife has always meant more to me than just music, it’s about community, freedom, and being yourself without needing to explain. As Ireland’s club culture begins to shift, with groups like Give Us the Night pushing for reform, we’re finally seeing spaces become more creative, inclusive, and intentional. But one issue continues to follow us onto the dancefloor: unwanted touching. Groping. That moment when someone crosses a line and your sense of safety disappears. This is personal, it’s happened to me more times than I can count. It’s happened to my friends, across genders and scenes. It’s changing how we experience the very spaces that are supposed to feel like home. If we’re serious about building better nightlife, we have to talk about this.
From a small survey I carried out with 20 people involved in nightlife, regular club-goers, DJs, bar staff, 95% said they had either experienced or witnessed groping in a venue. That’s almost everyone. It shows just how normalised this kind of behaviour has become. Most people I spoke to weren’t surprised by the number, if anything, they expected it. And that’s part of the problem: when something happens so often that it stops being shocking, it becomes easier to ignore. But the impact is still real. People are adjusting how they dress, how they dance, who they go out with, even whether they go out at all, not because of the music or the vibe, but because they’re trying to avoid being touched without their consent.
One friend put it plainly: “Being groped or touched inappropriately by men AND women who think it’s okay to touch me because of how I dance, as if that’s an invitation.”
It’s clear that this behaviour isn’t just going to stop on its own. But the people I spoke to also had ideas about what could make a difference. Many called for security staff to take reports of groping seriously and to receive better training on how to handle these situations with care and respect. Venues themselves need to be more vocal and clear about their stance, making it known that this behaviour won’t be tolerated. Removing anyone who commits these offences and not allowing them back in is standard practice in clubs in cities like Berlin and London. Why shouldn’t it be here too?
Another suggestion gaining traction is the introduction of dedicated night stewards, people whose sole role is to watch out for harassment and intervene early, before things escalate. Alongside this, there’s a push for stronger consequences and a firm no-tolerance policy, sending a clear message that unwanted touching is unacceptable and will be met with action.
Some venues in Ireland are already stepping up to tackle these issues head-on. Yamamori Tengu, for example, has introduced nightlife monitors specifically trained to recognise and respond to harassment on the dancefloor. These monitors aren’t just there for security — they’re there to create a safer, more respectful environment by intervening early and supporting anyone who feels uncomfortable.
Yamamori Tengu has become a leader in creating safer nightlife spaces, thanks to the introduction of their Night Time Monitor team. Inspired by harm reduction models in clubs abroad, the initiative was brought in by Emma and Vicky, who saw a need for support-driven, non-policing staff on the floor. The monitors actively move through the venue, looking out for harassment, checking in on people who might be unwell, and stepping in when needed, all with a victim-centred, empathetic approach. “Consent is simple,” says Vicky, “either it exists or it doesn’t.” With zero tolerance for harassment, Tengu prioritises care over control, and after nearly four years, that attitude has shaped a crowd that looks out for one another. Their team is now receiving further training from Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, and their work has earned them the 2024 Soundest Venue Award from Safe Gigs Ireland, recognition of how powerful these changes can be when venues truly commit to safety and community. Big shoutout to the current Night Time Monitor crew — Mariam, Elliot, Astra, and James — and all those who’ve helped shape the space along the way.
Groups like Safe Gigs Ireland are also playing a vital role. Their work focuses on harm reduction and building consent culture within nightlife spaces. They provide resources, training, and support aimed at helping venues, promoters, and attendees foster safer environments. Their advocacy highlights that change doesn’t just come from rules, it comes from education and community buy-in. Venues hold the key to real change. As Safe Gigs Ireland points out, as long as venues tolerate a range of inappropriate behaviours, those behaviours will continue. Promoters and DJs also have a responsibility, they can demand zero tolerance policies when choosing where to book, shaping safer environments through their influence. Ireland is already seeing progress. Yamamori Tengu, the 2024 winner of Safe Gigs Ireland’s Soundest Venue Award, is a great example of a venue taking safety seriously. Larger festivals like Longitude and Electric Picnic have also made significant efforts to improve safety and welfare, alongside newer venues and promoters committed to doing things differently.
Change is possible. Better training for security, clear venue policies, dedicated monitors, and stronger consequences are all steps venues like Yamamori Tengu and groups like Safe Gigs Ireland are already taking. But it requires all of us, clubbers, venues, and promoters, to push for a culture that respects consent. A night out should never come at the cost of safety. Together, we can build a nightlife where everyone feels free to dance without fear.
