Government Launches New Safety Training for Ireland’s Night-Time Economy Workers
- Published on: 2 September 2025
- Last updated on: 2 September 2025
Staff at nightclubs, pubs and festivals to get specialist training to tackle sexual harassment, violence against women and girls, and drink spiking at night.
Safe & Sound’ campaign aims to make Ireland’s nightlife safer for customers and staff.
Minister for Culture, Communications, and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD, has today launched a new, ‘Safe & Sound’ safety training initiative which includes new policy templates for a wide range of businesses in the Night-Time Economy such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more.
This training, which will be available free for 12 months in the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot areas (Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny City, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana, and Longford Town), will delve into the various aspects of vulnerability after dark. It is specifically tailored and developed for those working at night, providing workers with an increased awareness of their responsibilities and duty of care, and training in actions that must be taken to reduce identified risks.
The online training offers a number of express 30-minute modules in areas including:
- Anti-Sexual Harassment – Preventing and addressing sexual harassment in nightlife settings
- Bystander Intervention – Empowering safe intervention and support
- Drink Spiking Awareness – Prevention and Response Strategies
- Safeguarding and Vulnerability – Supporting vulnerable individuals
- Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) – Understanding and addressing gender-based violence
Announcing the training initiative, Minister O’Donovan said:
This training initiative and policy templates support a key recommendation in the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce and is another step in supporting our efforts to make Ireland’s nightlife safer, more inclusive, and more enjoyable for everyone. It also reflects my Department's commitment to supporting workers and businesses in the night-time economy with practical, accessible resources. By equipping people with the knowledge and confidence to act, we are laying the foundation for a cultural shift—one where safety, respect, and wellbeing are at the heart of our night-time experiences.
Beyond the training modules, the "Safe & Sound" initiative will also provide a comprehensive list of resources nationwide to support businesses. Most importantly, and for the first time, there will be 17 policy templates specifically tailored to the Irish legislative context, the Irish cultural context, and frontline realities.
The policy suite covers the most critical safety and welfare areas, including:
- Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)
- Sexual Harassment Prevention
- Bystander Intervention
- Drink Spiking Response
- Safeguarding and Vulnerability
- Mental Health Support
- Dispersal Management
- Drugs and Alcohol Use
- Crime Scene Preservation
- ...and more.
The initiative has been led by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors, developed by Nighttime Economy Solutions (NTES), a global leader in the sector, and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Night-Time Economy pilot project.
Each policy is grounded in Irish law, and includes clear operational guidance for frontline staff, managers, and venue owners.
Kate Howard, Galway City Night-Time Economy Advisor, said:
The 'Safe & Sound' training comes at a pivotal moment in the development of Irish Night-Time Economy. This initiative directly answers the need, voiced by businesses and workers, for accessible tools to enhance safety and foster an inclusive environment. The provision of these 17 tailored policy templates is a significant step forward, offering invaluable guidance to help businesses implement best practices. By giving the sector this comprehensive training and robust policy suite, we are empowering businesses to be proactive agents of change, ensuring both staff and patrons can enjoy our vibrant night-time economies with confidence and peace of mind.
For those interested in signing up to the new ‘Safe & Sound’ Online Training Portal from the nine Night-Time Economy Pilots, can find details here.
Policy templates are available to all Night-Time Economy Businesses here.
ENDS
Night-Time Economy Advisor contact: Kate Howard, Galway City Night-Time Economy Advisor, Kate.Howard@GalwayCity.ie
Notes;
The Safe & Sound Online Training Portal and suite of policy templates is a direct outcome of consultations held during the development of the nine local Night-Time Economy Action Plans and recommendations from the Night-Time Economy Advisors. It also reflects key recommendations from the Night-Time Economy Taskforce, established in 2020 under the Programme for Government. The Taskforce’s 2021 report outlined 36 actions to diversify events, enhance cultural opportunities, and foster innovation in the sector. This online training initiative directly supports those goals by helping to build a safer, more vibrant night-time economy across Ireland.
The initiative has been led by the nine Night-Time Economy Advisors from Dublin City, Cork City, Limerick City, Galway City, Kilkenny City, Drogheda, Sligo, Buncrana, and Longford Town, developed by Night Time Economy Solutions (NTES), a global leader in the sector and funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Night-Time Economy pilots.
The development of this bespoke online training portal and suites of policy templates is aimed at Night-Time Economy workers and was based on consultations and feedback from business who have already participated in a number of in-person safety training who highlighted the need for more flexible training options.
The new “Safe and Sound” platform offers accessible, 30-minute express modules that are available 24/7 for 12 months across the nine Night-Time Economy Pilot cities and towns. after which, its impact and potential for a wider national rollout will be reviewed. Participants can access these self-led, fully flexible courses at any time, allowing to start, pause, and continue as schedules permit. Downloadable resources and policy templates support the learning process, and certificates are sent automatically upon completion. Designed with the unique demands of the Night-Time Economy in mind, the training is suitable for a wide range of businesses and individuals, including pubs, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, theatres, cultural venues, festivals, gyms, taxi services, and more.