Bernard J. Durkan
Question:170 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if it is his intention to bring forward amendments to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill, 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23759/99]
Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.
I assume the Deputy is referring to the Intoxicating (Liquor) (No. 2) Bill that is the subject of a commitment in the Government's legislation programme as announced by the Chief Whip on 27 September 1999.
The proposals in that Bill are wide-ranging and take into account the recommendations of the Oireachtas committee report on liquor licensing, the Competition Authority and submissions which my Department received from the public and relevant interest groups in relation to those recommendations. The Bill will cover licences, hours of trading, the law in relation to registered clubs, additional measures to combat under-age drinking, and offences for breaches of licensing laws generally. My detailed proposals in relation to the Bill were approved by the Government on 12 October, 1999 for formal drafting and I can say that it is my intention to have the Bill published as soon as possible in the early part of 2000.