It has been announced this week that the Irish Government plan to pass the Liquor Licensing Bill 2008 within the next 3 weeks. This means that all late bars and venues will have to be shut at 2.30am Monday to Saturday and 1am on a Sunday.

If it is passed it truly is a major setback to Irish night life. While other European cities like London, Berlin and Barcelona speed ahead with late night opening hours giving them the freedom to be more creative in their nights, Ireland has taken one step backwards.It is a mystery to many of us why the Government would want a law passed whereby the entire city on your average Friday night pours out onto the street at the same time. Surely this will lead to more public offence incidents?

Having an involvement in the clubbing world I am undoubtedly going to be somewhat biased. However, I cannot honestly believe that even politicians could be this out of touch. Its unbelievable that they really think that non-staggered closing times are going to do ANYTHING to help curb fighting in the streets, anti social behaviour and binge drinking. They have totally lost it, in my opinion, and this move will only end up amplifying the problem, as well as undoubtedly damaging Dublin's prosperous nightlife. I only have to look at what happened to Belfast, which has had its nightlife absolutely destroyed by these sorts of laws and there have been an INCREASE in the amount of attacks and beating committed since they were introduced there.

For those of you reading this who have ever been out in Ireland, I'm sure you are of the opinion that the potential new bill is ridiculous, if so have your say and please put your name to the petition as well supporting this petition on Digg.

Thank you.