Finian McGrath
Ceist:184 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the 9 p.m. ban on young people aged 16 to 17 working in pubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22711/03]
Written Answers. - Employment Legislation.
The position is that the restrictions on the presence of persons under the age of 18 years in bars of licensed premises that are set out in section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 do not apply to persons who are employed in the licensed premises in accordance with section 38 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988.
Section 38 of the 1988 Act, as amended by section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000, permits the employment of persons aged 16 and 17 who are apprenticed to the holder of a licence as well as those who carry out general duties in licensed premises. General duties include taking orders for intoxicating liquor and serving it at tables but not supplying it from behind the bar counter. Those who are engaged in general duties are subject to the provisions of the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 and the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act 1996 (Employment in Licensed Premises) Regulations 2001 (SI No. 350 of 2001).