Vol. 571 No. 1
1114 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the French Republic families can take their children and young adults to public houses and restaurants where alcohol is served and there is absolutely no binge drinking taking place; and his views on whether it is people's attitude to alcohol that is the long-term solution to the problem of alcohol abuse here. [19767/03]
The position is that the restrictions on the presence of persons under the age of 18 years set out in section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 relate to the bars of licensed premises only and do not apply to other parts of the premises. Moreover, they do not apply on the occasion of a private function at which a substantial meal is served to persons attending the function.
The restrictions set out in the 2003 Act are in line with the recommendations of both the Commission on Liquor Licensing and the strategic task force on alcohol. While I accept that attitudes to alcohol consumption are important, I believe that the licensing laws have an essential role to play in combating alcohol-related harm, including under age consumption of alcohol and binge drinking.
Question No. 1115 answered with Question No. 1112.
