Thomas Gould
Ceist:459. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Justice the timeline for the sale of alcohol Bill; and if this Bill will include provisions for drink deliveries similar to those included in 2005. [22660/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 5 May 2021
Ceisteanna (459)
Freagraí scríofa
The Justice Plan 2021, published on 22 February, commits to reviewing and modernising alcohol licensing.
My Department is actively engaged with the Night-Time Economy Taskforce looking at innovative approaches to support and develop a vibrant, diverse night-time culture and economy in Ireland. The work of the Taskforce is ongoing and has included wide stakeholder engagement. A key challenge identified by stakeholders is the outdated alcohol licensing legislation and this will be reflected in the report of the Taskforce. We are working with Minister Catherine Martin and the Taskforce to ensure we can deliver on work of the Taskforce and its recommendations without delay and that is why we set out commitments in the Justice Plan 2021 on this major legislative reform in line with our Programme for Government commitments. It is my firm intention that this reform will be developed with a supportive approach to businesses and the interests of public health, consumers and communities will be central to implementation.
It is my intention to bring forward legislation that will contain proposals to update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises and registered clubs, by replacing both the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018 and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008 with streamlined provisions more suited to modern conditions.
While the work of the Night Time Economy Taskforce is well-advanced, work on the consolidation and reform of the licensing laws more generally is at an early stage of development. I can assure the Deputy that it is my intention to engage constructively with stakeholders as that work progresses.
In terms of assessing whether a review of legislation is required in relation to the delivery of alcohol, it is essential that there is a clear understanding of what the current regulations are under existing legislation.
While there is no dedicated licence for online sales of intoxicating liquor, licensees of licensed premises may engage in online sales subject to certain restrictive conditions. Under existing legislation where alcohol is purchased online, the same restrictions on the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor apply, including the restrictions in relation to hours of trading and the provisions in relation to the sale and supply of intoxicating liquor to young persons.
There is substantial existing legislation to regulate the delivery of alcohol services in Ireland.
However, I do appreciate that, with the Covid-19 outbreak, habits of consumers have been affected and the share of purchases online has increased substantially. These changes may be temporary or they may be the beginning of longer term trends that require further regulation. It is in that context and in light of the planned updating of the alcohol licensing legislation we are considering appropriate regulation of this service.