Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 16 Oct 1991

Vol. 411 No. 1

Written Answers. - Intoxicating Liquor Laws.

Michael Bell

Question:

383 Mr. Bell asked the Minister if he has any plans to amend any legislation which permits the serving of alcoholic drink in hotels, restaurants and discos after the normal closing hours without the provision of a substantial meal; whether he has any plans to make regulations to define what constitutes a substantial meal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Justice (Mr. Burke)

As a general rule, the intoxicating liquor laws provide that the supply of alcoholic drink outside the normal public house hours is conditional, among other things, on the provision of a substantial meal in hotels, as regards non-residents, and in restaurants which have a restaurant certificate, a special restaurant licence or a special exemption order as appropriate. Substantial meal is defined for this purpose in the Intoxicating liquor Act, 1962.

The circumstances under which drinking is permitted outside the usual times without the necessity for a substantial meal to be served are where a general exemption order, exemption for special events, occasional licence or exemption for special festivals has been obtained.

I have no proposals to amend the licensing laws as suggested by the Deputy.