409. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Justice if plans for the deregulation of the pub industry will result in more off licences in the future; if this will de-value the cost of a licence; and if off-licence hours of businesses will be extended under the plans (details supplied). [52045/23]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: Following extensive consultation with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published on 25 October 2022. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions on the draft legislation, and the Committee’s report was published on 2 March 2023.

Ireland has long operated a closely regulated alcohol licensing regime. It is important to note that this system will be retained, and the sale and supply of alcohol will continue to be closely regulated.  The reform of the extinguishment rule (whereby an existing licence must be purchased in order to open a new premises) will not result in its removal.

Extinguishment will be retained for the purposes of opening new off-licences. It is noteworthy that between 2005 to 2021, there was a decline of 21% in the number of pubs operating in Ireland. Many of these licences have fallen into abeyance. 

While work on the wider reform Bill will continue, it is my intention to bring forward, in the coming months, a shorter Bill to provide for key reforms including the standardisation of opening hours for pubs and off-licences.

It will also introduce an annual late bar and nightclub permits as well as cultural amenity licences.   This legislation marks the Government’s commitment to the reform of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night time economy.

This shorter Bill will provide for pubs to open from 10.00am to 12.30am (the following day) and off-licences to open from 10.30am to 10.00pm seven days a week. This Bill will not include any alteration to the existing extinguishment requirements.

Following the shorter Bill, the wider Sale of Alcohol Bill will be advanced to consolidate, streamline and modernise our current licensing system. It will provide for the amendment of the extinguishment requirements for on-licences to assist new entrants into the market and to revive and provide further support to local businesses.  It will also provide for a more transparent, efficient, cost-effective and user-friendly application process.

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Dáil Éireann debate. Question 415 – Alcohol sales [52136/23]

415. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Justice to report on the general scheme of Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022, which seeks to reform alcohol licensing legislation in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52136/23]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: Following extensive consultation with representative bodies in the licensed trade, businesses, public health bodies, consumers and communities, the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill was published on 25 October 2022.

A public consultation, including an online survey and a request for submissions, ran from November 2021 until January 2022. This consultation was focused on seeking views on how best to update the existing laws governing the sale and regulation of alcohol in Ireland. There was a high level of response, with in excess of 5,000 responses received from members of the public, academics, sectoral groups and representative organisations. The Department reviewed these responses to ensure the reform of the legislation takes account of and is informed by this engagement. A report on the responses received was published on 7 November 2022.

On 10 March 2022, I also hosted a consultation webinar and panel discussion event on reform of the alcohol licensing laws to give an opportunity for further discussion of the issues of concern to stakeholders.

The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice conducted two pre-legislative scrutiny sessions on the draft legislation, and the Committee’s report was published on 2 March 2023.

While work on this Bill is progressing, it is my intention to bring forward, in the coming months, a shorter Bill to provide for key reforms including the standardisation of opening hours for pubs and off-licences. It will also introduce an annual late bar and nightclub permits as well as cultural amenity licences. This legislation marks the Government’s commitment to the reform of licensing laws to support and stimulate the night time economy.

The shorter bill will also provide for new grounds of objection in line with the Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy to Tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence and provide that licensing applications, which are currently heard in the Circuit Court, would be moved to the District Court.

I hope to bring this legislation to the Houses of the Oireachtas in Q1 2024. Work to progress the other provisions in the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 to streamline and consolidate our liquor licensing laws will be continued once this has been completed.