The manager of one of Waterford's largest nightclubs has called the decision to restrict opening hours as 'lazy'.
Nightclubs, pubs and restaurants will have new closing hours of 12 midnight from this Thursday under plans agreed by Cabinet.
Less than a month after lifting the closing time restrictions on the hospitality sector, they're being reimposed from this Thursday.
It means nightclubs that have taken on new staff, initialised new ticketing systems and navigated a tricky reopening last month, will once again be forced shut when the two hands meet.
Speaking to Beat News, manager of the Reg in Waterford, Donal O'Brien, says he's extremely frustrated - but not surprised - by the announcement.
"It's a fairly lazy way to respond to the numbers - just close the nightclubs and put more restrictions on pubs and restaurants.
"We're now wondering, are they going to close us altogether before Christmas?"
O'Brien had just signed a year's contract extension for the booking app they were using, after the government made a last-minute U-turn last month to enforce ticketing at least an hour before doors close. However, he is now unsure if that system will even be needed over the Christmas period.
"My biggest issue is that there has been pretty much zero enforcement on operators that have completely flouted guidelines.
"If people had been clamped down on early, we'd have been seen as part of the solution, not part of the problem.
"Has there been anyone fined? I don't think so. Even in Waterford you see rogue operators, and it's brought the whole thing down.
"What we would like to hear now is a plan in the news few days about what's happening in December and January."
However, given that his premises operates as a restaurant and bar, as well as a late bar and nightclub, O'Brien says he's still trying to keep staff on for what he hopes will continue to be a busy Christmas season.
"We're going to be open for the Christmas period - it's going to be a very safe environment, a very cosy festive environment - we're putting up our Christmas decorations today and yesterday.
"We encourage people, if you feel like going out, come into us and we'll make sure you have a very safe dinner and drinks in a lovely atmosphere - and any other operator you feel are operating responsibly.
"Our staff would be devastated to have a very quiet Christmas."
