Proposed ban on late night takeaways to curb assaults

A local councillor has said it is time to start examining all available options to reduce the numbers of assaults in the city – including an 11.30pm closing time for takeaways.

In the latest crime statistics for the 12 months to May 2017, assault causing harm was up 31% while minor assault saw a 13% increase.

Cllr Peter Keane said that with this information in mind, it could be time to adopt a new approach to tackling the problem.

The Fianna Fáil councillor said that it is difficult for Gardaí and members of the local authority to “put their finger” on why there have been repeated increases in breaches of Sections 2 and 3 of the Non-fatal Offences against the Person Act.

“I appreciate that we are a student city with 27,000 students and that brings with it its own challenges.

“But why, at particular times, has there been an increase in the number of assaults – is there a prevalence of assault out there when people gather late at night,” he asked.

He believes there could be merit to introducing a model similar to that in Edinburgh where takeaways close their doors at 11.30pm.

“All the takeaways in Edinburgh close at 11.30pm which means they are closed before the pubs and clubs close.

“That means when people come out of the pub, they have nowhere to go, so they go home,” he said.
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