asked the Minister for Justice if he has any proposals for amending the licensing laws relating to public houses, hotels, etc. with regard to (a) hours and dates of opening and (b) the nature of penalties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensing Laws.
39.
I have no such proposals at present. However, any suggestions for the amendment of the Intoxicating Liquor Acts will be considered in connection with the preparation of the Bill to consolidate those Acts, which will be preceded by a Bill to amend some technical and procedural aspects of the Acts.
Would the Minister not agree that some amendment is very necessary in regard to bona fide restaurants. At the moment they can only supply wine and the demand for alcohol and beer is part and parcel of their business.
The Minister for Transport and Power tells me that he will be putting up proposals to me and to the Government shortly in that connection. I think a case can be made for genuine bona fide restaurants but I do not want to see every fish and chip shop in the country licensed.