Vol. 573 No. 3
565 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to the fact that serious problems have arisen for organisers of social functions such as no name clubs and others who organise alcohol free discos in public houses after 9 p.m. since the introduction of the new licensing laws recently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24853/03]
618 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if a direction will be given to the Garda Síochána not to prosecute publicans who provide their premises for the holding of disco dancing without the sale or consumption of alcoholic beverages; if he will allow a club (details supplied) to function over the Christmas period in an effort to stymie under-age drinking particularly at that time of the year; if consideration will be given to publicans who completely close down their bars, who neither sell nor distribute alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks from the bar but who may provide non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks from an ante room away from the bar; if his attention has been drawn to the huge success the No Name Clubs have become as a result of rigid parental supervision, good community input and special input in many cases by members of the Garda Síochána throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25553/03]
620 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 whereby young people less than 18 years are not allowed on licensed premises after 9 p.m; the position of charitable, sporting and voluntary organisations which might wish to run supervised under 18 alcohol free discos, which under the current legislation cannot now be held in premises or halls that are licensed premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25556/03]
621 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 244 of 22 October 2003, and his undertaking to examine the situation regarding the holding of alcohol-free youth discos in licensed premises, if he will communicate with the Garda authorities as an interim measure to facilitate the continued holding of the said discos; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25621/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 565, 618, 620 and 621 together.
The position is that 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, however, apply on the occasion of a private function at which a substantial meal is served to persons attending the function. "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.
