Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 1

Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.

John Perry

Question:

398 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of meetings the Commission on Liquor Licensing has held since its establishment; the number of sub-committees established by the commission; the expected date for the conclusion of the commission's deliberations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25826/02]

John Perry

Question:

399 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the fact that the reform of the licensing laws is unnecessarily being delayed and frustrated by the failure of the liquor licensing commission to complete its deliberations in a timely fashion; if he will consider imposing a strict time limit and work programme on the commission, to ensure that it delivers its final report, or a series of interim reports, to enable the process of reform to continue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25827/02]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

I propose to answer Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.

The position is that the liquor licensing commission was established in November 2000 with a two year lifespan and its remit is to review the liquor licensing system and make recommendations for a system geared to meet the needs of consumers in a competitive marketing environment, while taking due account of the social, health and economic interests of a modern society.

In March 2002, the Government extended the commission's terms of reference to include the following: "To examine the rights of licence holders to refuse admission and service in licensed premises and to make recommendations for any necessary legislative changes."

The commission has been meeting regularly over the past two years – 19 plenary meetings and numerous meetings of sub-committees – and to date has submitted three reports. The commission has established sub-committees as the need arises, to review particular subject areas, including access to licences in urban and suburban centres of population, hours of trading, licences for night-clubs and theatres etc., and, a subject of particular concern to us all, issues relating to alcohol consumption by young persons. I understand that a total of 13 sub-committees has been established to date.

While the commission was originally requested to submit its final report within two years of its first meeting, i.e. by mid-December 2002, the Government recently decided to extend this deadline to mid-March 2003, because of the additional work arising in relation to the new term of reference. In the circumstances, I wish to strongly refute any suggestion that reform of the licensing laws is being in any way delayed by the Commission on Liquor Licensing.