Pat Breen
Question:387 Mr. P. Breen asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he will introduce legislation to give effect to the recommendations of the Liquor Licensing Commission. [6213/03]
Written Answers - Liquor Licensing Laws.
The Commission on Liquor Licensing has submitted and published three reports to date. I understand its final report is being prepared at present and that it will be submitted to me in the coming weeks. I have already announced a comprehensive codification of the entire liquor licensing code. This codification will draw on the valuable work of both the strategic task force on alcohol and the Commission on Liquor Licensing, and the recommendations set out in their respective reports. Preparatory work has started and I hope the codification exercise will be completed before the end of 2004. The Report on Admission and Service in Licensed Premises, published by the commission in December 2002, pointed to a need to strengthen legislative provisions relating to drunkenness and violent, quarrelsome and disorderly conduct on licensed premises. I decided that an urgent response is required after considering the commission's recommendations in this area. I intend to bring proposals to Government for the necessary legislative changes, including stronger penalties, as soon as possible.