The first nightclub event since March 2020 is set to take place tonight in Dublin.
The pilot event, featuring a number of high profile DJs, will require attendees to provide Covid certs and take an antigen test. It is taking place at the Button Factory venue.
Sunil Sharpe, spokesperson for the 'Give Us The Night Campaign', believes new licencing plans for late night venues are also on the way.
Mr Sharpe told Newstalk: "They need to hurry up [licencing plans], at this present moment there has been no announcement around the late night special exemption order fees. How on earth after 18 or 19 months shut should these venues be expected to pay an additional 400 quid plus per night to open their doors?
“That is scandalous, those fees need to go, that system is on the way out anyway, but I think Government needs to fast track that to give these venues a fighting chance of survival.”
Minister for Culture Catherine Martin said: “I am delighted to be supporting this pilot event tonight. This is the first indoor nightclub event in more than 18 months and is an important step as we prepare for a further reopening in October.
“The Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, which was published earlier this month, highlights the importance of the electronic music sector and club culture. I believe that this is a small step forward in providing support to this sector as they plan their reopening, and tonight’s event also highlights some of the wonderful talent that we have in Ireland.
“There are many challenges ahead for the live performance sector, particularly in a post Covid-19 context, and it is essential that we continue to learn from pilots such as this one. This pilot is important for this industry to help it plan for a safe full reopening on 22 October, subject to the public health situation.”
