Vol. 348 No. 12
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Justice if he will review the laws in relation to the hours that licensed premises selling alcoholic drink are allowed to open to the public; and if he will consider bringing the hours of opening of the premises into line with the hours such premises are allowed to open in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
8.
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Justice if he will review the licensing laws in relation to the present widespread problems of teenage drinking and bar extensions.
(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
Various aspects of the operation of the licensing laws have been under consideration for some time, including the matters mentioned by the Deputy, but I am not in a position to say when Government decisions will be announced.
(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister aware that under the present law a young person under 18 years of age can consume intoxicating liquor in a public house and commits no offence. The Garda have no authority to ask for the name or address of that person. If the person remains silent they commit no offence. Would the Minister not consider that the law should be changed without further delay?
(Limerick East): I am aware of this. Various aspects of the licensing laws, including this item have been under consideration for some time but I am not in a position to say when Government decisions will be announced.
(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister aware that the present law permits the sale of intoxicating liquor to young persons under 15 years of age provided it is in a corked or sealed vessel? Would he agree this has caused widespread problems around city areas in relation to cider parties and that it could be said to be responsible for much of the vandalism around cities?
(Limerick East): I am aware of that aspect of the law. This and other aspects of the law have been under consideration for some time. I am not in a position to say when Government decisions on this will be announced.
(Dublin North-West): Does the Minister agree that the law should be changed so that anyone who is found on a licensed premises should be obliged to give their name, address and age to the Garda if it is suspected that an offence is being committed?
(Limerick East): I am not prepared to give a commitment on what the Government may decide. I agree that the matter should be looked at.
Has the Minister given any thought to the introduction of an identity card system such as was introduced in Mayo and other areas?
(Limerick East): I have given some thought to that.
What did those thoughts mean?
Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that people who are under age can acquire liquor in supermarkets and off-licences and use it afterwards?
(Limerick East): As I have said, these and other matters related to the licensing laws are being considered. I am not yet in a position to say what the Government decisions will be.
