Sinn Féin Senator Fintan Warfield has called on the Government to keep their promise and finally publish legislation to reform licensing laws for the night-time economy.

Senator Warfield said:

“The latest promise that Minister Helen McEntee has made is that she will introduce a bill to reform licensing laws in Q1 of 2024.

“They are cutting it fine.

“In the Seanad this week, the Leader and Government representative in the Seanad, Lisa Chambers, did not know when the bill would be introduced.

“I will not let the Government off the hook on this. They have made huge political capital from announcements about the reform of opening hours for the night-time economy.

“We are losing venues at an alarming rate.

“I encourage people to write to Minister McEntee and their Government TDs. Ask them when the bill will be introduced. Remind them of the promises they have made.

“We need to get this over the line or else more venues will close and more jobs and cultural spaces will be lost.”