"We are in the dark like everyone else."

The owner of Copper Face Jacks has said that he is uncertain about when the Harcourt Street nightclub will open again. The hugely popular venue has been closed for a year in accordance with Covid-19 restrictions. Copper Face Jacks is owned by Cathal and Paula Jackson. In 2019, the venue was put on the market, however the Jacksons later decided not to sell. Last Friday, Cathal Jackson spoke about the past year, as well as the nightclub's uncertain future. He described 2020 as a "tough year for everyone". When asked about the reopening of Coppers, Jackson said: "The Covid situation is evolving all the time. It could be September-October. It could be next year. I just don’t know. We are in the dark like everyone else. No one knows for certain.” Jackson - who had a health scare in 2019 - added that he will be taking a backseat once Coppers reopens. "I am flying again, thanks be to God," he said. "But I think my years on the door are over. I am semi-retired now." Jackson, who used to work as a Garda, spoke fondly of his time with Coppers. "I have stood for the last 24-25 years on the front door myself," he said. "I believed in being on the door of the business, meeting customers as they came in." Cathal also revealed that his son Darren is interested in coming on board in his father's business once restrictions ease. Jackson said "I am very lucky that Darren has decided to come in and that the business will continue for a few more years.” In the interview, Jackson also spoke fondly of the nightclub's iconic history: "Country people love coming up to a place that they associate with a country disco and there is a Dublin following as well." He added: "It just seems to be a place for anyone to meet from all corners of Ireland”. Pubs and clubs remain closed under Level 5 Covid restrictions. However, new legislation to extend the trading hours of nightclubs upon reopening has been welcomed by the Licensed Vintners Association.