General Manager of Rearden’s Group says he doesn’t think there will be a huge demand for later opening hours in Cork at the moment

The general manager of the Rearden’s Group says he doesn’t think there will be a huge demand for later opening hours in Cork at the moment.

John Styles was speaking after the release of a new report about proposals to change Ireland’s licencing laws which found that extending pub and nightclub opening hours would have a negative impact on public health and safety.

The Sale of Alcohol Bill includes the provision that pubs can stay open until 12:30am every day, while nightclubs could be allowed to stay open until 6am.

The “Give us the Night” campaign have criticised the report and say it’s not yet possible to say how many pubs will opt to become late-bars, while as few as eight nightclubs could end up opening all night.

Speaking to RedFM News, John Styles outlines why he thinks the plan might not appeal to people or the hospitality sector:

“We don’t actually have any events running alongside or any projected events they’re running alongside the late night opening. I think the majority of people in Cork City at the moment decide to head home around 2 o’clock. It’s very problematic try to get out of the city at 2 o’clock. I have find it an issue trying to get staff to work. It’s hard enough to get staff to work till 2/3 o’clock in the morning not to mind working out till 4,5,6 O’Clock in the morning. You know, it doesn’t really make sense.”