Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 13:

In page 4, between lines 40 and 41, to insert the following:

““guided tour”, in relation to a relevant premises, means a tour of the premises that—

(a) includes an explanation of, or information relating to, the process whereby the intoxicating liquor is manufactured on the premises in accordance with a relevant licence,

(b) is carried out in person, whether the tour is guided by another person or not, and

(c) requires a ticket to be issued to the person participating in the tour, whether a fee is paid for the ticket or not;”.

I refer back to discussions at the select committee. Arising out of those discussions, this amendment proposes to insert a definition of "guided tour" into section 1(10). I was interested to hear Deputy O'Keeffe speak about the tourism industry with particular reference to the visitor centres in his constituency, such as at Midleton, as well as the Guinness Hop Store. Of course, the central feature of visits to these centres is the guided tour. In fact, I believe the Guinness Hop Store is the No. 1 visitor centre in the country.

The central features of the definition are as follows. The tour must include an explanation of, or information on, the process whereby the intoxicating liquor is manufactured. It does not necessarily require a physical inspection of parts of the premises that might present a risk to the health or safety of individuals. Indeed, Deputy Wallace made reference to this on Committee Stage and I accept the point he makes. Deputy Kelly has made the point all along that many of the visitor centres, such as craft breweries, will be small in nature. These are small local businesses that employ a few people, using local products, and they require the support of Government. I understand there are some premises where the semblance of a guided tour may be somewhat different, perhaps more restricted, than that in Deputy O'Keeffe's constituency. The guided tour may be led by a guide in certain circumstances or it may be self-guided. A ticket must be issued to participants on the tour, irrespective of whether there is an entrance fee. I acknowledge that in many of the smaller breweries or distilleries an entrance fee might not be charged.

Inclusion of this definition will assist licenceholders. It will clarify the essential features or requirements of a guided tour and it will introduce the measure of legal certainty that Members sought on Committee Stage.

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