asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the proposed regulations for the granting of licences to serve alcoholic beverages in restaurants require, in some cases, such modification to houses of character as is unreasonable; and if he will consider modifying the regulations where they would involve the serious diminution of the character of old buildings covered for use as restaurants.
Written Answers. - Restaurant Licences.
103.
The Dáil and Seanad approved in June the Special Restaurant Licence (Standards) Regulations, 1988, made by me with the consent of the Minister for Justice under section 12 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. These have been in effect since July 1988.
These regulations prescribe standards to be complied with in restaurants for the purposes of qualifying for a Bord Fáilte Certificate of approval which is a prerequisite for restaurants applying through the courts for a special restaurant licence. The standards relate to maximum accommodation in restaurants, equipment and furnishings, management and staff, catering and hygiene.
There are also provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 relating to the size of waiting areas and the presence of bar facilities in licensed restaurants.
Bord Fáilte are responsible for enforcing the regulations. They have informed me that their experience to date has been that where restaurants have had to modify premises to meet the prescribed standards, such modifications have not seriously diminished the architectural character of the restaurants concerned. Accordingly, I am advised that there is no need at present to modify these regulations.
After an appropriate period I will review how the regulations have actually worked in practice and at that stage I will consider whether any amendments are justified in the light of experience.