Home > Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 122 - Liquor licensing laws [36266/14].

[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answer 122 - Liquor licensing laws [36266/14]. (25 Sep 2014)

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Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Justice and Equality the procedures under licensing laws that public house owners must adhere to when applying for late night extensions for the selling of alcohol and late night music; the powers of the Garda Síochána under the licensing laws in this regard; the provision being made in the legislation for the submissions of observations and comments by the public.  [36266/14] 

Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Frances Fitzgerald): Section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927 (as amended), provides that the licensee of a public house may apply to the District Court for a special exemption order which permits extended opening hours for a special occasion. An applicant for such an order must, not less than forty eight hours before making the application, serve on the officer in charge of the Garda Síochána for the licensing area concerned a notice of intention to apply for the order which contains details of the premises, the special occasion and the hours in relation to which the order is being sought. 

In such cases the District Court may grant the special exemption order if it thinks fit to do so having heard the officer in charge of the Garda Síochána for the licensing area concerned. However, the Court shall not grant such an order in respect of any premises unless it is satisfied that the special occasion concerned will be conducted in a manner which will not cause undue inconvenience or nuisance to people residing in the locality or create an undue threat to public order or public safety in the locality. Members of the public may therefore convey any concerns they may have in relation to special exemption orders granted in respect of specified premises to the officer in charge of the Garda Siochána for the licensing area concerned.

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