Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:98 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he intends to resurrect his ill-fated café bar proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35709/05]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 23 November 2005
Ceisteanna (64)
Freagraí scríofa
The position is that the Government legislative programme published on 27 September last makes provision for publication of a Bill to codify the licensing laws in mid-2006. This Bill will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replace them with provisions more suited to modern conditions.
When I launched a consultation process in relation to the general scheme of the draft Bill earlier this year, I stated that I would take account of submissions received from interested parties and individuals. That remains my intention. As regards the proposal to create a cafe bar licence, I have already indicated my intention to proceed instead with a radical reform of the licensing rules for restaurants.