Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

176 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the fact that the proposals within the Commission on Liquor Licensing's final report to give publicans greater discretion to refuse potential patrons may result in discrimination towards young people, Travellers and ethnic minorities. [12854/03]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. McDowell)

In the commission's report on admission and service in licensed premises published in December, it considered issues arising in relation to admission and service in licensed premises and made a series of recommendations for appropriate legislative changes. Following submission of the report, I announced that I would bring forward legislative proposals in response to the commission's urgent recommendations in relation to drunkenness and disorderly conduct on licensed premises. These proposals will form part of a package of measures which I will bring to Government in the coming weeks. It is not intended that the proposed provisions will be discriminatory towards any group.

There has been a significant increase in alcohol consumption by young people in recent years. This is leading to increased alcohol related harm among young people. A policy response is required to combat this problem. I intend to address some of the issues in the package of measures that I have already mentioned.

I intend to safeguard the discretion of licensees to exclude children under the age of 15 years from licensed premises, whether they are accompanied by a parent or not, at all times or at any time. Licensees should also have discretion to exclude 15 to 17 year olds from licensed premises at any or all times. In order to improve compliance with and enforcement of the licensing laws I intend to provide that young people within a defined age group must carry an evidence of age document on licensed premises.

I intend to provide that licensees may set a minimum age limit higher than the current statutory minimum age limit of 18 years under equal status legislation for the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor. This is provided that the policy is clearly displayed in the premises concerned and that it is implemented in good faith. Consequently, a licensee would be free to operate a policy of not selling or supplying intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of, for example, 21. The Government has already approved the drafting of legislation to give effect to this latter proposal.