Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Does the Leader agree that café style bars are in direct conflict with one of the key recommendations of the task force on alcohol, as referred to by Senator Tuffy? The task force recommends a restriction on the number of outlets selling alcohol but the introduction of café style bars will make alcohol more readily available. I note that a very eminent member of the legal profession has stated these new licences are not intended to increase the availability of alcohol, but rather to limit its use. Many people will have difficulty with that logic. Will more mallows be available to disguise alcohol in coffee or tea?

We already have a proliferation of wine bars and we have the traditional pub. Most traditional pubs and other licensed premises serve food, tea and coffee. I do not think we need this new development and I believe the matter is a serious one. This is not suited to the Irish psyche, custom and tradition and it is unnecessary. Food and hot beverages are already widely available in licensed premises. I ask the Leader to give her opinion on the matter.