Michael Ring
Question:757 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if further changes or amendments have been made to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill since it was passed through Dáil Éireann. [12004/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (697, 698, 699)
Written answers
There is no Intoxicating Liquor Bill at present before either House of the Oireachtas.
Michael Ring
Question:758 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in regard to debutantes’ balls, persons under the age of 18 years could attend such functions on licensed premises if no alcohol is being served. [12005/04]
View answerMichael Ring
Question:759 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position in regard to licensing laws; and if persons under the age of 18 are permitted to attend a late night function in a licensed premises in which no alcohol is being served. [12006/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 758 and 759 together.
Section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 prohibits persons under the age of 18 years from being in the bar of licensed premises after 9 p.m. This restriction does not, however, apply on the occasion of a private function at which a substantial meal is served to persons attending the function. In this context "bar" is defined as any open bar or any part of licensed premises exclusively or mainly used for the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor and includes any counter or barrier across which drink is or can be served to the public. The restriction does not apply to other parts of the licensed premises.
Where a part of licensed premises contains a bar counter which is physically closed and is not used for the supply of intoxicating liquor, such a part of the premises does not constitute a "bar" within the meaning of the 2003 Act. As I have previously stated, I would recommend that any person organising an alcohol-free event in such premises for persons under the age of 18 notify the superintendent of the Garda Síochána for the Garda district in which the premises are situated in advance of the proposed event.