University of Limerick Young Fine Gael supports the cut in the Late Fee for Nightclubs

Release by the UL Branch of Young Fine Gael, of which I Chair and had a part in the writing of

University of Limerick Young Fine Gael supports the call from the Irish Nightclub Industry Association for the cut in the Late Opening Fees.  At present Night Clubs are required to pay €410 per night of late night opening and we agree for a cut to €200 would be sustainable as this would encourage the creation of jobs in the Entertainment Industry.

Clubs are being forced to charge excessive entrance fees to customers due declining revenue owing to the economic recession.  A reduction in the Late Fee will not have a significant effect on clubs that are prospering at present but will be a boost for clubs, especially in rural areas that are on the brink of closing down at present.

Late night opening by clubs is not the primary cause of excessive youth drinking anymore.  Indeed many clubs have shut their doors because of a complete fall in revenue from drink sales. The problems of excessive drinking by youths are not solved by targeting the Clubs with excessive fees and charges.

Most drinking by youths is done outside of the licenced venues now.  We as nation need to reduce the amount we consume in general but an attitude shift is required.  This can only be achieved by starting in our schools educating teenagers of the effects excessive drinking can cause.  Investment needs to be made available for encouraging involvement in youth and sport programmes which give the youth of today other options instead of alcohol consumption.

Near the University of Limerick the Kilmurry Lodge Nightclub closed permanently last February which resulted in the loss of 20 full and part time jobs including those of students who were part of the staff throughout its 15 year existence.  Its closure was due to a serious trend towards off-licence sales and a decrease in revenues as customers were arriving from house parties and no longer spending in the club.

Students now who wish to go to a Nightclub have no other choice but pay for taxis into the city.  With significant reductions in the amount students can spend while at University this becomes a significant expense.  This impacts the overwhelming majority of UL Students who drink in moderation and going to a club is part of socialising on a night out.

An immediate cut in the Late Fee will cost the Government in excess of €12 million in loss of the tax revenue but this will be recouped by the boosting the late night economy.  We agree with the comments by Justice Minister Alan Shatter that this will enhance job creation in the Entertainment Industry.  The Irish Nightclub Industry Association estimates that a reduction will create 330 jobs in the industry.


See the edited Editors Letter version published in today (Firday 29th April) Irish Independent: 
http://www.independent.ie/opinion/letters/targeting-clubs-wont-solve-binge-drinking-2632816.html


Further reading on the subject:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2011/0427/breaking45.html
http://www.businessandleadership.com/life/item/29759-wheres-the-craic-ireland/