Vol. 421 No. 9
63 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Justice if, in view of the serious problems nationally arising from drinking in public places, he intends to urgently introduce legislation to make drinking in public places illegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I am not satisfied that a complete ban on drinking in public places would be desirable. Such a ban would be open to the criticism that it would be both inappropriate and disproportionate because it would penalise responsible and well-behaved people who cause no annoyance to others. The law already contains provisions to deal with public drunkenness or disorderly behaviour. The 1988 Intoxicating Liquor Act deals with under-age drinking in public places and the 1992 Environmental Protection Agency Act substantially increased penalties for public health nuisances and breaches of by-laws made by local authorities to counter such abuses in public parks.
However, I agree that something further needs to be done to deal with those elements in our society whose conduct in public is made worse by alcohol abuse. As I have already stated I am at present considering specific proposals for new offences relating to public drunkenness; the use of threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in public; and, disorderly conduct which is likely to cause annoyance. I hope to include any provisions which may be necessary in a Criminal Justice Bill which is being prepared in my Department at present and which will be published in the near future.
