Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

When one is attacked from all sides, it reassures one that one is not at either extreme of the pendulum.

Section 1 contains the Short Title, collective citations and construction and commencement provisions. It is my intention to phase in the implementation of the Bill because some people will have a moral entitlement to decent notice before it comes into operation.

Section 2 contains definitions. The definition of bar is taken from the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988. That is an important definition because a distinction is made in sections of the Bill between licensed premises and the bar of licensed premises. For example, in respect of hotels, this is of crucial importance because underage persons age are entitled to be in an hotel in which they reside. They should not be in a position where they have to produce evidence of age cards to gain access to the hotel. On the other hand, if certain requirements are made in respect of the bars of hotels, it is a reasonable balance.