Early Houses Saved In Alcohol Shake-Up

Ireland's Early houses, which can serve alcohol before the usual opening times, have been saved following pressure from publicans.

The 40 such pubs in the country were due to be closed as part of the forthcoming Intoxicating Bill after Justice Minister Dermot Ahern had cited "anecdotal evidence" that they were being used by problem drinkers.

But after intensive lobbying by the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licenced Vinterns Federation, culminating in a meeting with their representatives in Jury's Hotel, in Croke Park, last Friday, Mr Ahern retracted his intention to end their early trading licence.

The move to abolish the early houses was recommended by the Government's Alcohol Advisory Group, which said their original purpose when set up 80 years ago was to serve fairs and markets, and no longer applied.

The Intoxication Liquor bill contains new measures to tighten controls of Ireland's alcohol, and includes measures that could see the partitions introduced in supermarkets between alcohol and groceries, the closing of off-licences at 10.00pm and new powers for gardaí to seize alcohol from those under 18, or from disorderly drinkers.

The new bill also targets the worrying rate of underage drinking. Under new powers, gardaí will be able to send 'test' children into off-licences to ensure sellers are not selling to underage drinkers, with permission from their parents.

(DW/JM)