The president of Dublin District Court, Judge Peter Smithwick, said yesterday there was a clear link between public order offences and late-night drinking.
He made the comment as he ruled that music and singing licences for about 15 entertainment venues should be subject to a 2.30 a.m. curfew. Up until last week they had been able to operate as late as 4 a.m.
The dancing licences of these venues were also curtailed last Friday following objections from gardaí who complained of continuing public order problems in the capital at night.
These venues, which include the Gaiety, Olympia, Spirit nightclub and the Point Theatre, had been able to operate later than most nightclubs because they held theatre licences.
Following opposition from the owners of some nightclubs and late-night venues to the curfew, Judge Smithwick said: "There is a correlation, and any argument that there is not is specious. If I am wrong in that, you have the right to appeal."
He said the majority of nightclubs were forced to close at 2.30 a.m. and this should apply "across the board".
The owners of the Gaiety, Olympia, Spirit, and Ambassador are planning to lodge an appeal against the ruling in the Circuit Court within the next two weeks. A hearing date is expected in November.
The Gaiety Theatre's managing director, Mr John Costigan, said yesterday he was disappointed by the ruling which threatened the viability of the business. "We have a good record here at the Gaiety and gardaí have told us that. They say they have to be even-handed, but we feel we're being unfairly targeted."
He said he felt the theatre stood a good chance of a successful appeal. The late night club on Friday and Saturday night may have to be cancelled, but he plans to keep it open at least until the outcome of the appeal.
Spirit nightclub, which employs about 100 people at its Middle Abbey Street venue, also says job losses may result depending on how much its trade is affected.
