Nightclubs will soon have the right to stay open until 6am, under plans due to be signed off by the cabinet today. 

Currently, they are obliged to close by 2.30am but the industry has long urged the Government to allow them to stay open and bring Ireland into line with its continental neighbours. 

Those venues who wish to stay open till 6am will have to apply for a licence and will be obliged to stop serving alcohol by 5am.

Objections from applicants will be allowed from fire authorities, local councils, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and local communities.

A nightclub with people dancing.

To get a late licence, venues will need CCTV and for staff to be registered with the Private Security Authority.

The Department of Justice believes that there will be limited demand for a 6am licence with only a few larger clubs expected to apply. 

Pubs will also get slightly longer opening hours during the week; currently they are allowed to stay open until 11.30pm Monday to Friday. Going forward, they will be able to trade 10.30am and 12.30 seven days a week. 

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee hopes the legislation will be passed by the Oireachtas in 2023.

Main image: People in a nightclub. Picture by: Alamy.com