College Christmas day is a highlight of the Autumn semester for many, students will descend upon the streets of Limerick in the early hours of Wednesday morning to get the most out of the day. While it’s certainly an increase in footfall for many businesses in Limerick City, how do they feel about the celebrations?
“It is kind of a dreaded day, I’m not going to lie. In the morning, students are heading out at 7 or 8am, it’s crazy, it’s so busy in the morning,” said Emily O’Hanlon, who works in 101 Bar on O’Connell Street. “Then it kind of dips in the afternoon because a lot of students will go home for naps and maybe get some food, and then it hits again later and it’s just mental busy again. So, it’s like working two shifts in one.”
When asked about the impact this has on the usual customers, Emily said they’re often affected. “I feel like it’s a bad environment. If you’re out doing your shopping, it’s not nice to be surrounded by drunk people at 10am. It is messy, I feel like people just get really drunk. It would be uncomfortable, especially if you had kids.”
A lot of pubs in Limerick will still have their regular customers who just like a quiet drink and to socialise. “Most of them are fine with it. But some people are really disrupted by it. They don’t really like the drunk students because it’s a big change in the environment.
“It’s really good for businesses, though. I’ve even spoken to taxi drivers, and they could make a month’s wage in that one day.”
Pat, who is a taxi driver in the city, shared his thoughts on the day as well. “Obviously, nobody likes to pick up drunk students. If they behave themselves, it’s fine. A lot of them want to bring their alcohol into the car with them, which is totally not allowed. If you do you could be fined €150, which would be a very expensive day for students.”
You can read our guide to this year’s college Christmas Day here.
Remember to drink responsibly and stay safe.