Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
594. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice the requirements for not-for-profit organisations to obtain a public dancing licence; the minimum and maximum length of time such a licence may last; and if they have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. [23782/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe statutory provisions concerning the licensing of premises for the purposes of public dancing are set out in the Public Dance Halls Act 1935 as well as sections 2 to 10 and 21 of the Licensing (Combating Drug Abuse) Act 1997, in so far as they relate to public dancing licenses. The primary purpose of these statutory provisions is to ensure the welfare and safety of persons while present at events on the premises.
Applications for a public dancing licence are made to the annual licensing District Court. Applicants must place a notice of their intention to apply in a newspaper circulating in the district where the application relates at least one month before the hearing. The applicant must notify the Garda superintendent, the local authority and the fire authority within whose functional areas the place is situated. Compliance with relevant fire safety standards and availability of appropriate public liability insurance are essential requirements. The court may take account of the suitability of the premises and the impact for the parking of vehicles in the neighbourhood of the premises.
Under section 6(2) of the Public Dance Halls Act 1935, a public dancing licence continues in force until the conclusion of the annual licensing district court following the District Court sitting at which the licence was granted. When the licence ceases to be in force, an application must be made to the District Court under section 2 of the 1935 Act for a new public dancing licence. This means that a new public dancing licence must be applied for each year.
An application for a public dancing licence for a defined period not exceeding one month can be made at any time to a judge of the District Court. There is no requirement to publish this application, but 48 hours notice of the application should be given to the local Garda superintendent. The local fire authority must also receive notice of the application.
