Vol. 511 No. 3
324 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will consider the arguments of the nightclub industry in the context of the proposed changes to the legislation governing the licensing laws; if he will re-examine the representation levels of the industry on the Commission on Licensing (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24023/99]
The Intoxicating Liquor (No.2) Bill that is in the course of being drafted, following the Government's recent approval of my proposals, contains wide-ranging reform of the licensing laws which takes into account recommendations of the Oireachtas committee report on liquor licensing, the Competition Authority, and submissions which my Department received from the public and relevant interest groups in relation to those recommendations. The submissions I have received include those of the nightclub industry. I have also had meetings with their representatives on the particular matters of interest to them. I am satisfied that the Bill as proposed achieves a fair balance between the diverse interests of various groups.
In so far as the Commission on Licensing is concerned I can confirm that the nightclub industry, in common with other representative areas, is being considered for representation on the commission. The composition of the commission that I envisage will be broadly based.
