INIA launches NightSafe
The Irish Nightclub Industry Association (INIA), the national representative body for nightclub owners and operators, aims to set and raise standards in nightclubs across Ireland with the recent launch of ‘NightSafe’.
The Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern TD launched the initiative and Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy also attended the launch which took place in Krystle Nightclub in Dublin’s Harcourt Street.
NightSafe is to be a national Best Practice initiative and awards scheme for the Irish nightclub Industry. It aims to help nightclub operators achieve regulatory compliance and to introduce additional requirements for responsible trading while also giving the participants insights into Best Practice in key operational areas.
As part of the new scheme, operators ae required to develop various policy documents and procedures in areas such as Crowd Control, Security Management, Fire Safety, Noise Control, Risk Management, Drugs and the Responsible Serving of Alcohol.
The NightSafe programme also includes reference documents, some new and existing training initiatives and an awards scheme following an independent audit.
"I very much welcome the NightSafe initiative of the Irish Nightclub Industry Association,” commented the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, “Its introduction will contribute to the safety and enjoyment of its members’ customers. The plan to evaluate nightclubs will make a real contribution to our society. Its aims – preventing crime and disorder; public safety; preventing public nuisance and protecting children from harm – are vital in making our cities and towns safe and pleasant places at night time. I have no doubt that accreditation will make the nightclubs which achieve it more attractive and confer a competitive advantage on them”.
INIA Chief Executive Barry O’Sullivan, commented, “NightSafe has been inspired by some of the best nightclub operators in the country and with this initiative we hope to make the experience of going to nightclubs better, safer and more enjoyable.”
He continued, “NightSafe encourages social responsibility among nightclub owners, operators and management. It gives them very clear insights into creating and maintaining a safe environment for socialising, with the ultimate goal of promoting sensible, safe and sociable nights out”.
The Irish Nightclub Industry Association comprises over 300 venues nationwide employing 4,000 full-time equivalent jobs and entertains some 500,000 people on average every week.
The INIA is responsible for representing and protecting the interests of its members through its dealings with the Government, local authorities, An Garda Síochána, business groups, media and the community.
