New law to clarify position on teenage discos

The Minister for Justice will tomorrow bring forward legislation to clarify the position events such as teenage discos which …

The Minister for Justice will tomorrow bring forward legislation to clarify the position events such as teenage discos which take place on a licensed premises when the bar is closed.

The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2004 will define exactly what constitutes a bar, a spokesman for the minister said.

Publicans recently expressed concern that events run for teenagers on licensed premises might be illegal, even if the bar remained closed and shuttered.

A number of discos scheduled for young people celebrating the Junior Cert results were put in jeopardy after warnings from the Garda that they might be illegal under legislation introduced last year to tackle underage drinking.

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However, the Minister for Justice later advised the Garda that the events were legal where the bar remained closed.

A spokesman said the legislation would make it clear "beyond any doubt", clarifying what constitutes a bar.