Venues recorded 30,651 extended nights, compared with 31,601 in 2024.

The Licensed Vintners Association is urging the Government to cut nightly licence charges, arguing that lower costs could support venues, customers, local employment and the wider night-time economy across the country.

Credits: Pexels; Author: @enginakyurt;

Late-night venues require Special Exemption Orders to extend opening hours by two hours.

Each order costs 205 euros, excluding legal fees, meaning a venue opening late three nights weekly could pay almost 32,000 euros annually.

The Licensed Vintners Association wants the fee reduced to 100 euros under Budget 2027, estimating the measure would cost the Government around 3.2 million euros annually.

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