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24/04/2008
New Bill To Restrict Off Licence Opening Hours
A new bill is to be drawn up limiting the opening hours of off sales to 10pm amongst a list of other new proposals.
The Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan said new legislation restricting the availability of alcohol at off licences will include increased powers to gardaí and act as a significant step in addressing the culture of alcohol abuse.
Mr Lenihan said there was far too much alcohol being consumed in public places and he wanted gardaí to be able to seize alcohol and impose on-the-spot fines.
The Minister outlined the proposals for the Intoxicating liquor/Public Order bill, which is being drafted following recommendations from the Alcohol Advisory Group.
Under the provisions of the Bill, off licences would have to close by 10pm each night and gardaí would be able to seize alcohol if they suspected someone may breach public order.
Gardaí will also be able to carry out entrapment exercises to test pubs and other outlets by sending in underage people to try to buy drink, in order to expose breaches of the law.
CCTV systems at night clubs and late-opening pubs will also become a statutory requirement.
Also included in the bill are provisions for on display alcohol in supermarkets and convenience stores. Such stores would have to keep all alcohol in a structurally separate or behind the counter.
The proposals have so far been broadly welcomed by off licences.
(DW/JM)
The Minister for Justice, Brian Lenihan said new legislation restricting the availability of alcohol at off licences will include increased powers to gardaí and act as a significant step in addressing the culture of alcohol abuse.
Mr Lenihan said there was far too much alcohol being consumed in public places and he wanted gardaí to be able to seize alcohol and impose on-the-spot fines.
The Minister outlined the proposals for the Intoxicating liquor/Public Order bill, which is being drafted following recommendations from the Alcohol Advisory Group.
Under the provisions of the Bill, off licences would have to close by 10pm each night and gardaí would be able to seize alcohol if they suspected someone may breach public order.
Gardaí will also be able to carry out entrapment exercises to test pubs and other outlets by sending in underage people to try to buy drink, in order to expose breaches of the law.
CCTV systems at night clubs and late-opening pubs will also become a statutory requirement.
Also included in the bill are provisions for on display alcohol in supermarkets and convenience stores. Such stores would have to keep all alcohol in a structurally separate or behind the counter.
The proposals have so far been broadly welcomed by off licences.
(DW/JM)
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