asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the grave discontent and disquiet that existing publichouse owners feel at the large increase in the number of full liquor licences being granted to hotel and restaurant owners who are constructing their premises to compete, as regards bar provision, for the trade of the general public as well as the normal trade usually carried out by such premises; and if he will examine the position and, if necessary, have the matter remedied by the introduction of legislation in the general interests of those who make their living solely from the liquor trade.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hotels and Restaurants: Full Liquor Licences.
9.
It would appear that the Deputy is under a misapprehension as to the provisions of the licensing laws which govern the grant of new licences covering public bars in hotels and the grant of restaurant certificates for premises which are already licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor.
The position is that under Section 19 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, a hotel which is already licensed but does not have a public bar can only be given the right to have a bar if the licensee extinguishes an ordinary public house licence.
As regards restaurants which do a bar trade the position is that a restaurant certificate, or a limited restaurant certificate, which permits the sale of drink with meals during added hours in a portion of the premises which is not a public bar, can only be granted for premises which are already licensed for the sale of intoxicating liquor and which are certified by the Courts as structurally adapted for a restaurant business. Any public house can do a restaurant business during the ordinary licensing hours and can apply to the Courts for a restaurant certificate or a limited restaurant certificate to facilitate the consumption of drink with meals during extra hours if their premises are suitable.