The permitted opening hours for bookmakers' registered premises are set out in section 21 of the Betting Act, 1931. Bookmakers may not open for business before nine o'clock in the morning or after six o'clock in the evening or on Sunday, Christmas Day or Good Friday. Enforcement of the opening hours restrictions is a matter for the Garda Síochána.
I have no difficulty with reviewing the present situation in the light of modern sporting practice and I will be speaking to the Minister for Justice in this regard.
It is possible that the repeal or amendment of section 21 of the Betting Act, 1931 would lead to an increased level of betting in registered premises and, in turn, this would enhance the revenue yield from the excise duty on such betting. However a great deal of betting at evenings and/or Sunday meetings is likely to take place on racecourses and such bets are not liable to excise duty. It is not possible to give a reasonable estimate of the amount of the extra duty yield which would result from the extension of evening and weekend opening hours.
