The concept, which was presented by the Department of Justice in October 2022, might allow nightclubs to remain open until 6am and offer alcohol until 5am.

The current system for late bars would also be overhauled by the new General Scheme of Sale of Alcohol Bill. The closing time would stay at 2:30 am, but a new procedure for obtaining later licenses would be implemented.

Under the proposal, regular pub trading hours would be extended to 12.30am every day of the week, while nightclubs would be permitted to remain open until 6am. Pubs' regular business hours under the existing system are 11.30 p.m.

Monday through Thursday, 12.30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 p.m. on Sundays. In addition, bars and off-license establishments would be allowed to open at 10.30 am on any day of the week, as opposed to their present Sunday opening hours of 12.30 pm.

Under the new approach, the District Court would be the place to apply for annual late bar permits. If there are no objections, online renewals would be possible.

Venues who wish to remain open later now have to petition the Circuit Court for Special Exemption Orders for each night.