asked the Minister for Justice (i) if in view of the acknowledged preference overseas visitors have for drinking at a public bar he will consider amending the provisions of the Licensing Acts that limit new hotels being granted dispense licences only; and (ii) if he will make provision for new hotels, registering with Bord Fáilte Éireann, to become fully licensed on application to the Circuit Court in the usual manner.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bar Facilities in New Hotels.
42.
Up to the passing of the 1960 Act, there was no provision which would enable an applicant for a new licence for an hotel, as such, to acquire the right to have a public bar. The 1960 Act, however, provides that he may acquire this right, either when applying for the new licence or later, by arranging to extinguish an existing public house licence. The licence to be extinguished may be in any part of the State.
I do not propose to introduce legislation to amend that provision further.