Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
379 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the new provision planning drink promotions at concessionary prices is in force; if publicans are entitled to designate a certain night of the week on which drink will be available cheaper on their premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29813/04]
View answerThe position is that section 20 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 prohibits the supply of intoxicating liquor at a reduced price during a limited period on any day. It is intended to discourage practices which may lead to excessive consumption of intoxicating liquor, such as "happy hours" and it came into operation on 18 August 2003. For the purposes of section 20, "reduced price" is defined as a price less than that regularly being charged for the intoxicating liquor during an earlier period after 10.30 a.m. on the day concerned and after 12.30 p.m. on a Sunday. It does not, therefore, prohibit commercial practices such as an annual wine sale or a product promotions taking place over one or more days, as long as intoxicating liquor is not sold at a reduced price during a limited period after 10.30 a.m. on any day.
Section 22 of the 2003 Act provides for the making, should the need arise, of regulations prohibiting or restricting a licensee from doing or permitting, for the purposes of promoting the licensee's business or any event or activity taking place on the licensed premises, anything that is intended or likely to encourage persons on those premises to consume intoxicating liquor to an excessive extent.
