The Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill in 2010. The Bill, which is currently being drafted, will modernise and streamline the law relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2008, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with updated provisions.
As regards consultation with relevant interests, my Department engaged in an extensive consultation process with stakeholders and other interested bodies, including public health, youth and medical organisations, during an earlier phase in the development of the Bill. A further consultation was undertaken last year by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group in the context of preparing the Report and recommendations which provided the basis for the measures included in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008. Any further submissions from relevant groups and stakeholders will of course be carefully considered in the context of publication of the forthcoming Bill.