Irish Revellers Mobilise Against Club Curfew

Clubbers in Ireland launched a massive online campaign this week to protest against plans by authorities to introduce an immediate nationwide 1.30am club curfew.

The grassroots style campaigners launched Giveusthenight.com after Irish police (the Gardai) announced plans to oppose the renewal of all late-night premises licence extensions this Friday (October 1) to tackle street violence in the Republic, prompting a dismayed reaction from Give Us The Night.

"As a measure to curb late night public order and alcohol-related offences, the action defies common sense, as a blanket early shutdown will clearly flood the streets with potential danger," they pointed out on their website.

"Furthermore, it will severely, if not even permanently, damage the livelihoods of bar staff, security staff, club promoters, DJs, the print, distribution and graphic design trade and all others whose jobs are dependent on or linked to the nightclub industry," they predicted.

As well as attracting immediate support from thousands of clubbers, the campaign gained a massive endorsement from mainstream Irish politician Senator Derek McDowell of the Labour Party, who is the Seanad Spokesperson on Finance, Transport, Enterprise, Trade and Employment Dublin North Central.

"I am delighted that concerned clubbers have mobilised to start a web-based campaign that states that nightclubs and clubbers are being scape-goated by Gardai," said the Senator, in a press release issued by his party.

"For the sake of the nightclub trade, for the rights of those who want to dance, and to ensure public safety, I urge as many people as possible to support this campaign."
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