Alcohol Sales Legislation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017

Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Ceisteanna (216)

Marc MacSharry

Ceist:

216. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Justice and Equality further to recent legislation passed which provides for craft brewers licenced to sell their products to brewery visitors between certain times, if the licence is a saleable asset; if it is transferable; if they can be converted to full licences in time; if the licence will expire if a business closes down; the way in which it is proposed to police the operating hours which apply to the licence; the way in which it is proposed to police limiting the sale of products manufactured on the premises as the only alcohol products sold; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42819/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Justice and Equality

The position is that the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016 is a Private Members' Bill tabled by Deputy Alan Kelly. The Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 26 July and is currently awaiting Committee Stage in the Justice and Equality Committee.

I intend to table a series of amendments to the Bill at Committee Stage. As already indicated during Second Stage discussions, the general purpose of these amendments will be to ensure that the rules normally applicable to the grant of retail licences, including the requirement to obtain an appropriate court certificate, will also apply to licences granted under this Bill. It is intended that such a licence would permit sales of intoxicating liquor produced on the premises only to those who have participated in a tour of the premises.