Liquor Licensing Laws

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2012

Wednesday, 16 May 2012

Questions (142)

Jim Daly

Question:

142 Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his views in relation to the Intoxicating Liquor Act and in particular the onus on supermarket owners to structurally separate the off-licence area from the grocery area and the dedication of a staff member and cash point for the off-licence area; if he will consider alternative measures to achieve tightening of sale regulations with less cost to the employer in view of the current financial conditions in the retail sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24351/12]

Written answers

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter)

On receipt of the third Compliance Report on the RRAI Code of Practice on the Display and Sale of Alcohol in Mixed Trading Premises, I launched a public consultation process inviting views on the Report and, more generally, on the voluntary approach to implementing structural separation of alcohol products in supermarkets, convenience stores and other mixed trading outlets.

Following an examination of the submissions received, the choice now lies between implementation of the statutory provisions in section 9 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 or implementation of a statutory code of practice under section 17 of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011. I expect to be in a position to seek Government approval for my proposals in relation to future arrangements for the display and sale of alcohol products in mixed trading outlets in the coming weeks.