Vol. 533 No. 3
275 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects the Commission on Liquor Licensing to report; the terms of reference of the Commission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8746/01]
278 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when he expects to have a final report from the Commission on Liquor Licensing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8929/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 275 and 278 together.
The terms of reference of the Commission on Liquor Licensing, which I established in December 2000, under the chairmanship of Mr. Gordon Holmes, with the approval of the Government, are as follows:
Terms of Reference(1) To review the liquor licensing system in the light of all relevant factors, including systems for the licensing of alcohol in other countries, and to make recommendations for a liquor licensing system geared to meeting the needs of consumers, in a competitive market environment, while taking due account of the social, health and economic interests of a modern society.
(2) In particular, to review the scope for a system of additional licences; to examine demand in areas that are under-pubbed, new areas of increasing population, and tourist areas; to examine other aspects of the licensing system, such as licences for theatres and places of public entertainment, the licensing of residential accommodation which does not come under the definition of an hotel, interpretative centres and other places where the sale of alcohol is ancillary to the main business carried out.
(3) To examine the nature of the off-licence and particularly the method of access to the off-licensed trade in the interests of promoting better competition.
(4) To inquire into other aspects of the licensing code, as may be appropriate.
