Michael Creed
Question:331 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to amend the licensing Acts dealing with pub trading hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4064/99]
Written Answers. - Licensing Laws.
Michael Ring
Question:340 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will add one hour to the normal trading hours for publicans resulting in a closing time of 12.30 a.m. with half an hour drinking up time; and when he will implement the recommendations of the liquor licensing review committee. [4218/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 331 and 340 together.
I have already informed the House, on a number of occasions, that a review of the licensing laws is currently taking place in my Department and that it is my intention to bring forward the Heads of a Bill for the Government's consideration at the earliest possible opportunity this year. The details of the legislative proposals will be announced in the usual way following their consideration by the Government.
The review has taken account of the report on liquor licensing laws by the Sub-Committee on Legislation and Security of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality and Women's Rights, the interim report of the Competition Authority, and the many submissions which have been received in response to the invitation, by way of advertisements placed by my Department in the national and local press in the week of 4 August 1998, for comments on our licensing laws. I can confirm that changes in the trading hours of licensed premises will be among the proposals which I intend to bring before the Government.