Dublin Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Ní Dhálaigh outlines Sinn Féin proposals on alcohol licensing at meeting with PSNI in Belfast

Published: 11 September, 2007

Dublin City Sinn Féin Councillor Críona Ní Dhálaigh was in Belfast this morning for a briefing from the PSNI on alcohol related public order issues. Speaking after the meeting Ms. Ní Dhálaigh said licensing laws throughout the island should be harmonised and liberalised towards the European model involving flexible opening and closing times to prevent drink-related disorder.

She said, "I welcome today's opportunity to see how alcohol related
public order issues are dealt with in South Belfast. The practice in
this part of the country is very progressive. It is quite clear
however, that an all island approach to these issues, with common policy
throughout the country, would be beneficial to the whole country.

"In June of this year my colleague Aengus Ó Snodaigh made a detailed
submission to the Dublin Joint Policing Committee (JPC) Sub Group on
Alcohol in which the Party calls for a liberalisation of licensing laws
towards the European model involving flexible opening and closing times
to prevent drink-related disorder.

"Some of our key proposals are:

· Introduction of more flexible closing times in non-residential areas
to prevent the drink-related disorder resulting from the current
simultaneous closing of most licensed premises (i.e. move towards
European style model)
· Control the availability of alcohol through the number and type of
outlets granted licenses
· Introduction of mandatory recognised training for bar/off license
staff - to help prevent them serving under-age people and drunken people
· Introduction of local licensing fora to give the community greater
input into all related decisions
· The enforcement of existing laws must be increased and sanctions on
license holders for breach of laws must be high enough to act as a real
deterrent all legislation and policy should be harmonised on an
all-Ireland basis."