Thomas Gould
Question:593. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the proposed timeline for progress of the Sale of Alcohol Bill. [15379/23]
View answerTuesday, 28 March 2023
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Written answers
Following extensive consultation with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published on the 25th of October. It marks the Government’s commitment to the reform and streamlining of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night time economy.
The present system is based on a patchwork of 100 laws - some of which are almost 200 years old and two thirds of which pre-date the foundation of the State 100 years ago.
The extensive General Scheme of the Bill, which runs to approximately 500 pages, proposes to modernise permitted opening hours, in line with the expectations and needs of today’s society and encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy. The General Scheme of the bill also intends to streamline the licensing system and provide for a more transparent, user-friendly application process.
Given the known social and health effects associated with misuse of alcohol, Ireland has, for many decades, operated a restrictive regime for licencing. The General Scheme of the bill retains that approach and will ensure that the sale of alcohol remains closely regulated.
The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice recently conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions on the draft legislation, and their report was published on 2 March 2023.
Officials are engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on the drafting of the Bill, and despite the length of the general scheme, it is hoped that the Bill can be published and introduced into the Oireachtas this year.