Protest planned as Dublin venue Yamamori Izakaya faces noise dispute

Nightlife advocates are coming together in Dublin this week as one of the city’s beloved late-night spots fights back against noise complaints that could threaten its future. 

Basement bar and club Yamamori Izakaya has become a go-to for music fans and DJs alike, known for championing local talent and bringing cutting-edge nights to the Irish capital. But when a neighbouring hotel, The Hoxton, took legal action over noise issues and sought an injunction, the community didn’t sit quietly.

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The Dublin dance contingent has organised a protest in support of the venue, with people due to gather in the city centre to make it clear that nightlife spaces matter. At the heart of the argument is the Agent of Change principle, a planning guideline that places responsibility for managing noise on new developments, rather than putting existing venues at risk - something nightlife supporters have championed across the UK and Europe in recent years.

The dispute began after noise complaints prompted the hotel to cite “repeated and serious noise nuisance” as justification for seeking legal action. Yamamori Izakaya offered solutions - including sound-limiting equipment and an offer to work with neighbours - but the issue has spiralled into a wider conversation about how cities balance development with the cultural heartbeat provided by bars, clubs and late-night spaces.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.

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Header image credit: Valentin Bolder