The General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill (2022) was published by the Irish Government’s Department of Justice on October 25th, 2022. Many provisions in the Sale of Alcohol bill have the potential to increase alcohol availability and facilitate access to drinking opportunities. Based on alcohol availability theory and the considerable amount of supporting research, it is highly likely that the bill could contribute to an upward trend in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. Research generally indicates that when alcohol is more readily available, consumption and associated problems increase.

In order to avoid the mistakes of other countries where the promotion of the night-time economy have led to epidemics of public intoxication, the provisions of the Sale of Alcohol Bill should be revised taking into account public health considerations described in this report. The costs of expanding the night-time economy are likely to far outweigh the benefits if public health issues continue to be ignored.