Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I regret that I am not disposed to accepting this amendment because its effect would be that it would no longer be an offence for a person to engage in disorderly conduct in a licensed premises. An offence would arise only if the disorderly person refused to leave or re-entered within 24 hours. One of the principal aims of the Bill is to address the problems of drunkenness and disorderly conduct. To accept this amendment would be to weaken considerably this important new section.