Max HeyraudEarlier this week, social media was flooded with misinformation about upcoming legislation, with many mistakenly believing that the Intoxicating Liquor Bill had been removed from the government’s future plans due to a damaging article written by The Journal.
The bill remains of important precedence but didn’t make the short priority list, as expected. It’s crucial that we continue applying pressure. With new clubs opening and excitement around club culture growing, now is the perfect time to push the new government for much-needed reform of outdated licensing laws.
Earlier this week, we discussed the many positive developments within Irish club culture, something we don’t often get to do. In fact, there was so much good news that we couldn’t even cover it all.
That said, we recognise that the slow pace of licensing reform remains the biggest obstacle to a healthy club scene in Ireland. However, dismissing a 21-year movement for reform from Give Us The Night simply because the Intoxicating Liquor Bill wasn’t among the 21 priority bills—many of which address urgent issues like the environment, social welfare, international protection, and child care—would be short-sighted.
It’s also worth noting that this new government faced scrutiny before even taking office, and for good reason. They’re making strategic political choices early in their term, and ruffling feathers over nightclub reform likely isn’t high on their immediate agenda. But the bill is still on the list, and that means the fight isn’t over.
If you’ve been involved in club culture in any way—whether as a DJ, promoter, bartender, floor staff, sound or lighting technician or simply as someone who loves to dance—now is the time to use your voice. Nightclubs and nightlife matter, not just as entertainment, but as an integral part of our culture.
The dancefloor is a sacred space. In Ireland, we have a deep-rooted history of dance, from ancient traditions to the globally recognised céilí. For centuries, we’ve gathered in dancehalls, clubs, and raves—places where communities formed, friendships were made, and love stories began. Through political unrest, economic hardship, and social change, dancefloors have remained places of unity, refuge, and celebration.
This is a living, breathing culture. One we refuse to see diminished. The fight for proper nightlife and club spaces is not just about venues, it’s about preserving who we are.
