Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I thank the Minister for his presentation. I welcome the amendments and do not have a problem with them. I still have concerns about the provisions relating to children being present in pubs after a certain time and about the age card. However, I am pleased the Minister has seen fit to take on board some proposals, for example, extending to 9 p.m. the time limit before which children may be present on licensed premises. We need to tackle the problem of under age drinking. It is worth repeating the importance of ensuring these provisions and the existing legislation are enforced and that the resources are in place to do it.

The Minister said he would bring forward codifying legislation next year. Will he consider examining the issue afresh, especially with regard to licensing hours? Perhaps a pilot scheme of flexible opening hours should be examined because it is not a good idea for all pubs to close at the same time and it is not the solution to the problem. There are other more modern ways of dealing with it. Nevertheless, I welcome the changes made by the Minister.