Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Licensing Hours.
- Licensed premises opening hours 1 speech
Barrett asks whether licensed premises’ opening hours should be reviewed and brought into line with those in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Michael Barrett
- Teenage drinking and bar extensions 2 speeches
Barrett raises teenage drinking and bar extensions; Noonan says licensing-law issues are under consideration but gives no timetable for Government decisions.
Michael Barrett, Michael Noonan
- Underage drinking and Garda powers 2 speeches
Barrett highlights that under-18s can drink in pubs without the Garda being able to require their identity; Noonan says the issue is under consideration.
Michael Barrett, Michael Noonan
- Sealed alcohol sales to under-15s 2 speeches
Barrett links sales of sealed alcohol to under-15s with cider parties and vandalism; Noonan says this aspect of licensing law is being considered.
Michael Barrett, Michael Noonan
- Identifying people on licensed premises 2 speeches
Barrett asks whether people on licensed premises should have to give the Garda their name, address and age when an offence is suspected; Noonan agrees the matter merits consideration but makes no commitment.
Michael Barrett, Michael Noonan
- Identity cards for age checks 3 speeches
Woods asks about introducing an identity-card system like those used in some areas; Noonan has considered it but gives no further details.
Michael Woods, Michael Noonan
- Underage access to off-licence alcohol 2 speeches
Hilliard notes that underage people can obtain liquor from supermarkets and off-licences; Noonan says related licensing-law issues remain under consideration.
Colm M. Hilliard, Michael Noonan
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Justice if he will review the laws in relation to the hours that licensed premises selling alcoholic drink are allowed to open to the public; and if he will consider bringing the hours of opening of the premises into line with the hours such premises are allowed to open in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
8.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West) asked the Minister for Justice if he will review the licensing laws in relation to the present widespread problems of teenage drinking and bar extensions.
Comment on this
(Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 8 together.
Various aspects of the operation of the licensing laws have been under consideration for some time, including the matters mentioned by the Deputy, but I am not in a position to say when Government decisions will be announced.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister aware that under the present law a young person under 18 years of age can consume intoxicating liquor in a public house and commits no offence. The Garda have no authority to ask for the name or address of that person. If the person remains silent they commit no offence. Would the Minister not consider that the law should be changed without further delay?
Comment on this
(Limerick East): I am aware of this. Various aspects of the licensing laws, including this item have been under consideration for some time but I am not in a position to say when Government decisions will be announced.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West): Is the Minister aware that the present law permits the sale of intoxicating liquor to young persons under 15 years of age provided it is in a corked or sealed vessel? Would he agree this has caused widespread problems around city areas in relation to cider parties and that it could be said to be responsible for much of the vandalism around cities?
Comment on this
(Limerick East): I am aware of that aspect of the law. This and other aspects of the law have been under consideration for some time. I am not in a position to say when Government decisions on this will be announced.
Comment on this
(Dublin North-West): Does the Minister agree that the law should be changed so that anyone who is found on a licensed premises should be obliged to give their name, address and age to the Garda if it is suspected that an offence is being committed?
Comment on this
(Limerick East): I am not prepared to give a commitment on what the Government may decide. I agree that the matter should be looked at.
Comment on this
Has the Minister given any thought to the introduction of an identity card system such as was introduced in Mayo and other areas?
Comment on this
Will the Minister take into consideration the fact that people who are under age can acquire liquor in supermarkets and off-licences and use it afterwards?