The Government-appointed Commission on Liquor Licensing laws is to issue an interim report on its findings next week.
However, the commission's final report will not be complete until next spring as its brief has been extended to allow it examine the issue of the rights of bar owners following controversy with travellers this summer.
The Government announced the appointment of the commission two years ago.
It was set up to draw up proposals on how to modernise the State's liquor licensing laws, and to investigate the possibility of allowing additional licences to be issued.
The overall brief of the commission was to make recommendations for a liquor licensing system that would meet the needs of consumers in a competitive market, "while taking due account of the social, health and economic interests of a modern society".
The establishment of the commission followed the relaxing of pub opening hours and a change in licensing laws.
The 20-member commission includes representatives of vintners, supermarkets, restaurants, nightclubs, Government Departments, trade unions, the Garda, the National Youth Council and the Director of Consumer Affairs.
It is chaired by Mr Gordon Holmes, a solicitor from Limerick.