Vol. 573 No. 1
244 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will examine the situation arising from the introduction of recent legislation, whereby alcohol-free youth discos and functions can no longer be held in the disco area of licensed premises; if an examination will be carried out with a view to providing a solution to enable the continuation of such discos in such venues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24464/03]
Section 14 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 prohibits persons under the age of 18 years from the bar of licensed premises after 9 p.m. This restriction does not apply on the occasion of a private function at which a substantial meal is served to persons attending the function. The term "bar" in this context is defined as any open bar or any part of licensed premises exclusively or mainly used for the sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor and includes any counter or barrier across which drink is or can be served to the public. The restriction does not apply to other parts of the licensed premises.
While the restrictions set out in the 2003 Act are in line with the recommendations of both the Commission on Liquor Licensing and the strategic task force on alcohol, I am willing to consider the possibility of alternative arrangements for functions where the sale of intoxicating liquor to persons attending the function is not permitted and where such events are properly supervised and controlled. This is a matter which I will examine in the context of the forthcoming codification of the licensing laws. My intention is that an outline of the codification Bill will be available by mid-2004.
