Alcohol sales in shops and garages to be restricted

The Government is today expected to announce plans to restrict the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and garage forecourts.

It follows increasing concern about the level of alcohol abuse — highlighted again this week by a report showing the damage the drug is causing Irish society as alcohol is a factor in half of all murders and more than 25% of admissions to A&E.

Justice Minister Brian Lenihan will publish a report from a government-appointed expert group and, more significantly, the proposed legislation to implement its key recommendations. Restricting the sale of alcohol in supermarkets and garage forecourts is expected to be a key finding.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern gave a firm signal on this issue last month when saying: “What is clear is that what’s happening in the garage forecourts, what’s happening in the supermarket, what’s happening in the off-licence generally is leading to an excessive amount of alcohol being available.”

Mr Lenihan established the Alcohol Advisory Group in January to urgently examine key aspects of the law governing the sale and consumption of drink.

In particular, it was asked to examine:

* the increase in the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the way alcohol was sold in such outlets.

* the increasing number of special exemption orders obtained by licensed premises that permitted longer opening hours.

* the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions, particularly those directed towards combating excessive and underage alcohol consumption.

When announcing the advisory group, Mr Lenihan made clear his intention to change the law before the summer. In tandem with the group’s report today, he will publish the heads, or main points, of the Intoxicating Liquor/Public Order Bill 2008.

This bill will then go before the Dáil for consideration. Mr Lenihan has already expressed his hope of getting cross-party support for the measures involved.

Irish Examiner