In January 2008, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform announced his intention to bring forward proposals for changes in the law on the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol with a view to enacting the required legislative changes before the summer recess. He also announced the establishment of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group and said that he had asked it to examine the following key issues and to report to him with their assessment on the best way forward by 31 March 2008:

* the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of sale of alcohol products in such outlets, including below unit-cost selling and special promotions;

* the increasing number of special exemption orders which permit longer opening hours which are being obtained by licensed premises around the country; and

* the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions and penalties, particularly those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption.

The recommendations which follow are intended to respond to these terms of reference. The Group expects that certain of these recommendations will provide the basis for the urgent reforms which the Minister intends to implement in the short term. Structural reform of the licensing system is more likely to be addressed in the context of the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill which is included in the Government Legislation Programme for 2008. It is intended that this codification bill will modernise and streamline all the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol.