Seanad debates

Wednesday, 18 June 2003

Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

This section also contains definitions of "drunken person"' and "disorderly conduct". Arising from last week's discussions with the joint committee, I have brought the definition of "drunken person" into line with section 4(1) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. People were asking what constituted a drunken person and whether somebody who was tipsy, merry or whose speech was slurred was drunk. My answer was that District Court judges, confronted with cases where this was a relevant issue, would decide on a common sense basis and, in criminal cases, beyond all reasonable doubt. We have decided on a high threshold in regard to drunkenness. To be regarded as drunk, a person must be intoxicated to such an extent as would give rise to a reasonable apprehension that he or she might endanger himself or herself, or any other person in the vicinity. In social terms, a person would need to be well drunk before these provisions would have effect.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.