Vol. 515 No. 5
94 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when new legislation will be introduced to radically overhaul the licensing laws; and if he will change the six day licence to the standard seven and acknowledge the social changes in most rural areas and the reality in the trade on the ground. [6463/00]
98 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when new regulations or legislation will be brought forward to provide extra competition for licensed premises in urban areas and to relax the current grip which existing publicans have on the provision of extra licensed premises where these are required. [6520/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 98 together.
The Intoxicating Liquor Bill is in the course of being drafted for publication in this session. It will remove outdated restrictions on entry to the licensed trade and will facilitate the creation of new licensed premises in areas of greatest need. I can confirm that the Bill includes a scheme whereby the holders of restricted licences, that is, six-day, early closing, or six-day and early closing licences – will be able to convert such licences to ordinary seven-day licences subject to certain restrictions on their disposal.
The full details will be announced by way of publication of the Bill.
