Vol. 572 No. 4
100 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he intends to use the powers available to him under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 to introduce regulations providing for traceability of alcohol sold in off-licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23384/03]
Section 22 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 provides for the making of regulations to specify particulars, to be affixed to any container in which intoxicating liquor is sold for consumption off the premises, which enable the licensee and the licensed premises concerned to be identified.
With a view to ensuring effective implementation of this measure, I intend to consult with interested parties prior to making such regulations. Officials in my Department will meet with representatives of trade organisations in the near future to discuss issues arising in this context.
In order to avoid any later challenge to regulations made under section 22 on the grounds that proper procedures had not been followed, I intend to notify the European Commission of proposed regulations in accordance with the Technical Standards or Transparency Directives, Directives 98/34/EC and 98/48/EC. These directives have been put in place at EU level to enable the European Commission and the member states to examine in advance proposed national technical rules in the interests of transparency and the smooth functioning of the internal market.
