Temple Bar fears sees Willie Jack opt against late opening

Publican Willie Jack has vowed to pull down the shutters at the Duke of York and Harp Bar by midnight as he fears the area could become “another Temple Bar”.

Legislation here now allows pubs and clubs in areas like the city’s Cathedral Quarter to stay open until 3am.

But Willie Jack and fellow directors of Commercial Court Inns Ltd, whose other venues include the Dark Horse and the Friend at Hand whiskey museum, have set out their position in an open letter published in the Irish News.

They insist their decision will work in favour of customers, staff, and also the integrity of the area, which is known for its live music and range of bars and restaurants.

And they say it is part of a collegiate shared vision among neighbouring businesses to ensure the Cathedral Quarter does not replicate Dublin’s Temple Bar, where some business owners in say violence in the streets is now out of control.

“We have decided that both our public houses will call last orders every day at midnight, or possibly even earlier,” says Mr Jack.

His letter goes on: “We have noticed a shift with many of our clientele deciding to come out earlier and leave earlier, enabling them to access better public transport, and this is a culture we would like to encourage and promote.

“Whilst we appreciate some venues may wish to avail of the opportunity now available for extended opening hours, it is not a business model we wish to follow, nor do we think it would be sensible for all licensed premises to stay open until 1am, or even 3am.

“Providing a welcoming, safe and enjoyable environment for our customers has always been our priority, and we feel earlier closures will enable us to do this sustainably, while also helping to reduce the strain on emergency services.

“We also want to provide our staff with the best work life balance possible, and this move will aid shorter shift patterns that prioritise balance and safety for our teams.”