New Measures Announced To Tackle Binge Drinking And Public Disorder

The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D. and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan, T.D., have announced new legislative measures to tackle the increasing availability and excessive consumption of alcohol, and the public order problems caused by binge drinking.

The draft legislation, the Intoxicating Liquor/Public Order Bill 2008, proposes the reform of both licensing law and public order legislation in response to recommendations contained in the Report of the Alcohol Advisory Group also being published today. Drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage with a view to its enactment before the Oireachtas rises for the summer break.

Speaking at the Bill's launch, the Taoiseach and Minister Lenihan both congratulated Dr. Gordon Holmes, chair of the Advisory Group, and the other members of the Group for prompt delivery of an excellent report.

The legislative measures are the first step in implementing the Group's recommendations and taking action to deal with the problem of binge drinking and the public disorder it causes.

Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach said: "The State has a key role to play in ensuring that licensing laws and public order legislation is adequate and effective. Parents too have an indispensable role. Nor should we overlook the importance of personal responsibility.

As a society, we need to take responsibility both collectively and individually in order to address the problems arising from excessive consumption of alcohol. We need to examine our acceptance of heavy drinking and the signal that this is sending, particularly to our young people.

Government has a clear responsibility to ensure that our laws and regulations are supportive of cultural change in this area. The draft Bill published today is a concrete example of the Government's determination to do its part in changing attitudes to alcohol consumption."

Also speaking at today's event, Minister Lenihan said: "The legislative measures published today are a response to a very significant problem of alcohol abuse which is leading to public disorder.  They address the public order and licensing aspects of our national problem with drink.

"The strategy underpinning the draft legislation is one which tackles the increased visibility and availability of alcohol through retail outlets with off-licences while tightening the conditions under which premises with on-licences qualify for special exemption orders permitting them to remain open beyond normal licensing hours.

"I know that the Government's concerns in relation to binge drinking and alcohol-related harm are widely shared and I look forward to support in both Houses of the Oireachtas for speedy enactment of the proposals contained in this  Bill."

The Minister also stated that while this draft Bill addressed the Government's immediate concerns, the Government Legislation Programme provides for publication of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill later this year.

This larger Bill, at present in the course of being drafted, will modernise and streamline all the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2004, and replacing them with updated and streamlined provisions.