merrion street

Officials from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment met with industry representatives*  today to discuss the conditions of reopening for the live entertainment and nightclub sector.  These discussions followed briefings last week with industry representatives and are intended to help clarify the Government decision made on October 19th to ease restrictions, and to develop sectoral guidance to assist businesses with a safe reopening. 

The main issue of discussion was the requirement for all those businesses who wish to operate as a live entertainment venue or nightclub to use electronic ticketing systems as a condition of entry to their premises.  It was clarified that tickets must be purchased or acquired at least one hour before arrival and must contain details to allow for robust contract tracing.

The Government wishes to move forward with this phase of reopening; however, COVID-19 still represents a very real threat to society and the aim of these measures is to balance this new reopening phase with public health considerations.  The two Departments have listened to the concerns of the industry and will continue to engage throughout the reopening period. Regulations and revised guidance for the sectors impacted by this will be published this week.