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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 16 Nov 1961

Vol. 192 No. 3

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Amendment of Intoxicating Liquor Act.

163.

asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware that hoteliers, traders and publicans in Tramore and other seaside resorts in County Waterford have suffered severe loss by reason of the repeal in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960 of the provisions which permitted the District Court to grant area exemption orders for seaside resorts on Sundays during the holiday season; whether he has received representations in this regard; and whether amending legislation is contemplated in the near future.

164.

asked the Minister for Justice whether in view of the general dissatisfaction at the present licensing laws he will consider amending them to suit the needs of the people.

165.

asked the Minister for Justice if in view of the fact that the British Government propose amending the licensing laws in Britain by the extension of the hours in which drink may be consumed on licensed premises and in view of the damage being done in Irish seaside resorts by the curtailment of the hours of drinking he will take immediate steps to amend the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960.

166.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will introduce legislation to amend the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, to meet the requirements of the general public regarding the second opening period on Sundays.

167.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider introducing amending legislation relating to the opening hours of licensed premises on Sundays in various areas outside Dublin City, considering particularly facilities for tourists.

168.

asked the Minister for Justice whether he has received a deputation from the County Vintners' Association; and whether he has come to any decision on the question of giving effect to their requests by an amendment of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1960, especially in relation to the Sunday trading hours.

169.

asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider amending the licensing laws concerning Sunday opening hours, as these hours are not suitable for either shopkeepers or customers.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 163 to 169 together.

I am aware that there have been some complaints about the operation of the present licensing hours on Sundays, especially in holiday resorts, and, in accordance with the undertakings previously given on behalf of the Government, I intend to examine the position in the light of the experience gained since the 1960 Act came into force.

Until such time as I have completed that examination and submitted my recommendations for decision by the Government, I shall not be in a position to make any statement in the matter.

Can the Minister state if his recommendations will go to the Government prior to the next tourist season?

I should hope so.

And legislation will be introduced?

I would not promise that.

The Fine Gael programme is producing great reforms.

(Interruptions.)

The Deputy ought to know. He moved to stop it on Sunday altogether.

No two of them voted the same way.

It is information that there is a Fine Gael policy in this matter.

It gave you a good rattle.

(Interruptions.)
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