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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 3

Written Answers. - Liquor Licensing Laws.

Thomas P. Broughan

Ceist:

199 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the final report of the Commission on Liquor Licensing; when he intends to introduce the promised legislation to amend the licensing laws; the main provisions of the proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12762/03]

My intentions regarding future changes in the licensing laws are as follows. In its second interim report, the Commission on Liquor Licensing advocated a codification of the entire intoxicating liquor code. I intend to act on this recommendation and the necessary preparatory work is already under way in my Department.

Codification will involve a consolidation of licensing provisions, which are currently spread across many statutes, into a single instrument as well as reforms based on the commission's recommendations and the valuable work of the strategic task force on alcohol established by the Department of Health and Children. It is intended that the outline of the codification Bill will be available by mid-2004.

The commission made over 130 recommendations. The main thrust of them is directed towards a modernisation and streamlining of the licensing code, while recognising the need for compliance with and enforcement of its provisions. Many of the recommendations relate to overall structural reforms that will require policy decisions. More of them are of a detailed and technical nature that will necessitate consultation with other Departments and State bodies such as the Courts Service. With the exception of a number of urgent recommendations, the commission's recommendations for legislative changes will be addressed in the context of the codification exercise.
Following submission in December of the Commission's report on admission and service in licensed premises, I announced my intention to bring forward legislative proposals to respond to its urgent recommendations in relation to drunkenness and disorderly conduct on licensed premises. In the meantime, I have decided to enlarge this package of proposals to include legislative responses to certain recommendations set out in the final report. In the coming weeks I will bring this package of proposals for an intoxicating liquor Bill to Government.
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