251. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Justice what impact the Sale of Alcohol Bill will have on sports clubs that hold a liquor licence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6705/24]

Helen McEntee, Minister for Justice: The General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol intends to modernise our existing licensing laws in line with the expectations and needs of today’s society, and to encourage the development of a modern and diverse night-time economy.

The proposed legislation endeavours to strike a balance between maintaining strict controls and safeguards in relation to the sale of alcohol, while providing support to those involved in our night time economy. Given the known social and health effects associated with misuse of alcohol, Ireland has, for many decades, operated a restrictive regime for licensing.

The General Scheme of the bill retains that approach and will ensure that the sale of alcohol remains closely regulated.

It is my intention to separate the Sale of Alcohol Bill into two Bills. Firstly, I intend to introduce the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024. This is a shorter reform Bill to introduce a number of key reforms contained in the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 to modernise our licensing system, including:- 

• The standardisation of opening hours for pubs and off-licences.
• The introduction of an annual late bar permit and an annual nightclub permit.
• The inclusion of new grounds of objection in line with the Zero Tolerance Third National Strategy to Tackle Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
• Strengthening of the powers of An Garda Síochána to ensure that public safety and order are maintained.
• To provide that licensing applications, which are currently heard in the Circuit Court, will move to the District Court.
• The inclusion of the provision for outdoor seating.

The Intoxicating Liquor Bill will standardise the opening hours within which licensees can trade to 10.30am to 12.30 am each day of the week. Sports clubs that are registered clubs will be able to avail of the extended opening hours to 12.30am every day of the week.

I hope to bring this legislation to the Houses of the Oireachtas in the coming period. Work will continue to progress on the other provisions in the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 to modernise our liquor licensing laws thereafter.