Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2004
162 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to de-regulate licences for public houses; if he intends to issue additional licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24708/04]
View answerSubject to the approval of the Government for its drafting, I intend to publish shortly the details of my proposals for a Bill to codify the liquor licensing laws. I have nothing further to add at this point in time other than to indicate that the proposed Bill will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2003 and related licensing provisions in other statutes — about 100 statutes in total — and replace them with updated provisions geared to modern conditions. It will, in particular, include updated provisions relating to public houses, off-licences, hotels, nightclubs and theatres. It will also contain provisions relating to the supply of intoxicating liquor in registered clubs which will replace the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2003.
