Seanad debates
Wednesday, 18 June 2003
Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003: Second Stage.
Section 9 provides for temporary closures. A temporary closure is virtually mandatory under the provision and I can understand its inclusion. It is an effective remedy because it will have a serious impact on the ongoing financial viability of licensed premises. However, there could be a small amelioration of the closure for a first offence. In other words, the fine should apply in the first instance but a second or subsequent offence would result in temporary closure. Perhaps this could be considered. As there is a probability of the Probation Act being applied, perhaps the legislation should reflect this.
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