Home > Dáil Éireann debate. Written answer 594 - Legislative programme [Alcohol] [7984/22].

[Oireachtas] Dáil Éireann debate. Written answer 594 - Legislative programme [Alcohol] [7984/22]. (15 Feb 2022)

External website: https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2022...


594. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Justice her plans for a major overhaul of the licensing laws; the timeframe for the publication of the new intoxicating liquor Bill; if it is expected that the new Bill will abolish the requirement to buy an existing licence and extinguish it to secure a new licence via an application in the District Court; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7984/22]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: The Programme for Government commits to ‘modernising our licensing laws and application processes’ and my Justice Plan 2021 committed to reviewing and modernising alcohol licensing. In addition, the issue of outdated alcohol licensing legislation was a key challenge identified by stakeholders in the published report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce. 

I am delivering on that commitment by preparing Heads of a General Scheme of a Sale of Alcohol Bill. 

The objective of the proposed Bill is to repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2018, the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and the Public Dance Hall Act 1935, and to replace them with updated and streamlined provisions more suited to the 21st century. 

Codifying alcohol licensing law into a single Act will make it more accessible and user-friendly for the licensed trade, courts, Gardaí and the public. 

The development of this Bill will take account of concerns including on a wide range of issues including public health, public order and the interests of consumers, communities and businesses. 

Last November, I launched a wide ranging consultation to seek the views of the public on the modernisation of Ireland’s licensing laws. The consultation, which ran until 21 January this year, looked at how best to update the existing laws governing the sale and regulation of alcohol in Ireland. Members of the public, academics, sectoral groups, and representative organisations were invited to complete an online survey and/or make a written submission to my Department. There was a high level of response to the consultation, with in excess of 5,000 responses received, and I would like to thank all of those who engaged with this process. My Department is now reviewing these responses. 

I also plan to host a webinar in early March to give an opportunity for further discussion of the issues of concern to stakeholders including the question of whether the requirement to extinguish an existing licence when seeking a new one should be continued under the forthcoming Bill. 

I intend to progress this legislation in the months ahead with a view to enacting it this year. Details of the proposed reform will be included in the General Scheme when published. I look forward to working with members of this House to bring about this important reform.

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