Gov process to reopen our sector is Keystone Cops meets Father Ted stuff
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has described the new ticketing rules announced for live music and late night hospitality as a disaster for late bars, nightclubs and musicians. They also said the Government process to open the sector has become “Keystone Cops meets Father Ted stuff”.
At a Government briefing on the new guidelines held on Friday evening the LVA told Government officials this requirement was “completely unmanageable”.
During the course of the briefing it was made clear that anyone attending a late night venue (for example a nightclub/ late bar) would need to secure a ticket, online and in advance. While the term “in advance” is still to be officially defined, it was made clear that this would need to be done a minimum of 24 hours in advance and potentially with up to 72 hours’ notice.
These measures would also apply to any licensed premises where live music or a DJ were performing, meaning for example that customers attending an early evening trad session in a traditional pub would also have to secure tickets in advance.
Free ticketing will be permitted under the guidelines.
Speaking after the briefing session, Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA said, “We can’t believe that this is being proposed by Government. As we made clear at the meeting this is completely unworkable. It is a disaster for late bars, nightclubs and musicians. It simply won’t be possible to put such a system in place, it contradicts the very nature of social activity in Ireland. Do they know anything about the late night economy?
“If the Government goes ahead with these requirements then ad hoc late night socialising will not be possible. It could also have a devastating impact on DJs and live performers as most pubs simply won’t put on such entertainment.
“The very fact that this bombshell was dropped on the trade at 6.30pm on the very evening they reopen after 585 days of closure shows how appalling the Government planning for our reopening has been. The Government process to reopen our sector has become Keystone Cops meets Father Ted stuff,” Mr O’Keeffe concluded.