Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider introducing a requirement to extinguish more than one existing licence for the establishment of new off-licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10058/14]
View answerThe Government Legislation Programme provides for future publication of a Sale of Alcohol Bill which will update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with provisions more suited to modern conditions. This Bill will provide an opportunity to consider changes to the current 'extinguishment' requirement, whereby an applicant for a new off-licence must show to the satisfaction of the District Court that the holder of an existing licence will consent to its extinguishment if and when a new licence is granted to the applicant. On the grant of the new licence, the existing licence is extinguished.
Unfortunately, due to the complex nature of the proposed Bill, I am not in a position to state when it will be published. However, it is my intention to proceed quickly with enactment of the legislation following publication
