If more people bought tickets to support local bands, then venues wouldn’t be so reliant on alcohol sales, a local festival organiser and PR manager has said.

It comes after one of the UK's leading music agents and promoters John Giddings said that young people not drinking is killing music venues.

On Lunchtime Live, Grand Social PR Manager and Director of the Dublin Bowie festival John Brereton said young people nowadays seem to be more into the gym and eating out as their “night time buzz”.

“I just find what we need more as venues is people paying into gigs,” he said.

“It’s great seeing the 3Arena full and Electric Picnic sold out, that's amazing, but venues like ourselves and Workman’s, where people learn how to play in front of people make their mistakes, and, you know, become the bands like Fontaines DC and Kneecap - we rely on good audiences.

“I mean, we're a music venue, so we shouldn't have to rely on drinks, you know?

“Everyone wants people to be more healthy - I don't want my children going out drinking a lot.”

Fans filming on mobile phones as Celeste performs in Ancienne Belgique, a live music venue in Brussels, Belgium. Image: Alamy

Mr Brereton said the talent in Ireland is “phenomenal” but people won’t buy tickets to local gigs.

“I think there's a perception amongst people that, you know, they will pay €150 to go to Taylor Swift - you're getting more bells and whistles and lights and stuff like that - but in terms of just pure musical talent, we're up there as well,” he said.

“Take a chance, buy that €10 or €15 ticket to support your local band and then the venues won't be so dependent on the drink sales.”

Microphone on a stand ready for live music performance or karaoke night. Image: Alamy

Also on the show, First Music Contact CEO Angela Dorgan said the music scene in Ireland is “really healthy” at the moment.

“Small venues, for instance, the Workman's Club, they're not seeing a drop-off at live gigs but they are seeing a drop-off at the clubs after the gig and I think that's where this issue comes in,” she said.

Music and Entertainment Association of Ireland Spokesperson Rebecca Cappuccini was also on the show, where she suggested that venues cater for the non-drinkers more.

She said if more venues provided mocktails – which have a far better opportunity for price markup – they could help to solve this issue for themselves.

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Colorful shot drinks in bar in night. Image: Grigor Ivanov / Alamy Stock Photo