Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The extension of this Act will allow the hospitality sector to continue to provide for the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor in outdoor seating areas. The Act was introduced in July 2021. There is an ongoing demand for provisions that allow businesses to provide outdoor dining services with clarity and certainty in relation to the law. Therefore, that appears to be the rationale for the extension of the Act.

Ireland’s pubs, restaurants and nightclubs have been heavily impacted by Covid-19-related restrictions for the past two years. The necessary public health restrictions affected the industry significantly and many of businesses in it are still struggling. The aim of this extension of the Act is to facilitate the continued operation of outdoor seating areas, many of which were introduced during the past two years. It would provide clarity for the pubs, bars and clubs in a position to provide an outdoor seating area to customers and members.

The impact of Covid on the hospitality sector and now the energy costs crisis is truly horrendous. Many licensed premises simply did not recover, while others are struggling to do so because the energy crisis is hitting hard. The compounding impact from cost-of-living pressures on businesses is driving many to the brink.

On the basis of what is proposed, I support what is being done. However, the one simple question I have relates to why a permanent solution is not being provided. Surely the Minister had sufficient time to make more permanent changes and give the struggling sector some long-term assurance beyond May next year. No businesses can plan and invest in the context of such an ad hocarrangement. Let us face it. Day in, day out we hear of businesses in dire trouble. We should absolutely do anything we can do to help them.

I have a number of serious concerns. I suppose I have a conflict of interest. I have two brothers who own two public houses in west Cork and a daughter works in another one. I am therefore aware of the struggle the sector is going through. It is having a horrendous time. I can see many public houses closing throughout Ireland. Many Government decisions taken down the years that were anti-local pubs and their survival are going to succeed and lead to their closure. Obviously, the increase in price of alcohol last week was another kick in the teeth for them.

On outdoor seating areas, there should be consultation with local communities. Local authorities must have consultation with communities, particularly in the context of people with disabilities. What is needed is a good bit of respect, and sometimes that is not shown. In general, I support this motion.

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