I really don't see the problem. The same process applies to all outdoor events, so there is no competitive advantage or disadvantage. All similar venues have the same issue.
I was referring to international venues so I should have made that clear.
If the acts want access to Irish punters (who tend to pay a lot more than UK or European punters for each ticket), they play it our way.
This is nonsense and shows a complete lack of understanding on how things work in the real world. Rules are there to be met sure, but they should change if they need to. You can now tax your car online and get a passport via the post for example. Would it be unreasonable for DCC to offer a fast-tracked option for major gigs looking for extra nights for example, or are we saying it takes another 10 weeks for the 4th night and yet another 10 weeks for a 5th night? By the way I'm not advocating this solution - I know nothing about licensing laws nor the music industry but changes to the current process should be examined at the very least given this whole fiasco. The promoter is clearly at fault here, but all I am asking is that we look at the process - it may have "worked" but perhaps it explains why the practice of selling tickets subject to license has been going on for years.
I don't accept your point that he HAD to sell tickets in advance. He didn't HAVE to sell the tickets. If he had applied for the licence in good time, he could have got the licence long before the tickets were sold. The decision to sell the tickets early is about cash flow and testing the market - commercial decisions, not legal or procedural.
I agree but with any large act (especially one like Garth Brooks making a comeback) it must be very difficult to judge the market up front. Having to wait 10 weeks for a license for a 4th night and then another 10 weeks for a 5th seems impractical to me. I accept that the rules are the rules and in this case I'm glad the law of the land was up held, but as I have pointed out, this "Irish" way of booking shows and selling tickets in advance of getting a license has been going on for years. If the process of getting a license was quicker this probably wouldn't be happening. Again, I know nothing of licensing and 10 weeks may well be the fastest this can be processed, but I would have my doubts.
What I've seen fits the description of price gouging nicely thanks. You're right that some of the money will indeed leave the country, but really, is this significant enough to override a sensible planning process?
I think it might be time to go to Specsavers, I never said anything about overriding a sensible planning process, so again, please don't misquote me! I am merely pointing out that your assertion that "we have 330,000 spending their disposable income locally" may not be accurate.
If I was a big act, I certainly wouldn't be looking at Aiken in Croker if another act already had 3 gigs there. Apart from that, if the Irish market continued to be as lucrative as other destinations, I'd be in like Flynn.
That would represent a very impressive knowledge of promoters and local planning laws for, presumably one of many international gigs you would be performing at.