The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell today confirmed he plans to change the laws governing beer and spirits sales in a bid to tackle binge drinking.
Mr McDowell promised the legislation to reform the drinks trade allowing restaurants to serve beer and spirits during an address to a Beverage Council of Ireland conference in Wicklow.
The Minister for Justice Michael McDowell today promised the legislation to reform the drinks trade allowing restaurants to serve beer and spirits as well as wine
He said: "Without wishing to reopen the whole cafe bar issue" the real question was "are we going to leave the consumption of beer and spirits in the context of pubs, or are we going to create a new area of middle ground where those products can be very widely consumed in the context of the consumption food?"
Mr McDowell said the rise the numbers of people drinking at home and the effect of the smoking ban had created a situation where the drinks industry needed new markets.
Mr McDowell said: "We need a cultural shift in this country in our approach to alcohol consumption, a shift towards moderate social consumption and away from the excessive consumption patterns and binge drinking that so often results in alcohol-related harm".
"I want to encourage the consumption of food with alcohol, reduce alcohol-related harm, especially among young people, improve compliance with licensing law by licensees, and its enforcement by the gardai," he said.
Mr McDowell said the legislation - currently being finalised - made provision is for offences relating to drunkenness and disorderly conduct on licensed premises and under-age drinking.
Teenagers caught in the possession of a forged or altered Garda age card, may face hefty fines of up to €3,000 or 12 months imprisonment, he warned
He also warned forgers and those who altered ID cards that harsh penalties would result for those convicted.
Mr McDowell said the legislation will also strengthen statutory provisions to combat sales to under 18s by requiring off-licences to have written policies and control procedures.
It also contains a proposal that all temporary closure orders would last for at least two days.