Conor Lenihan (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

It is not outdated in the literal sense, in that it was introduced in 2003. I do not wish to pun, but this is not to be and I cannot accept the amendment. It seeks to repeal section 12 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003, which prohibits entertainment during the 30-minute period of drinking-up time following normal closing time and special exemption orders. Section 12 of the 2003 Act was enacted to give effect to a specific recommendation of the Commission on Liquor Licensing's final report, namely, that entertainment be expressly prohibited during drinking-up time. The commission pointed out that the purpose of drinking-up time, which originally was ten minutes under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962 but which was increased to 30 minutes in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1998, was to facilitate a gradual and orderly departure of customers from a premises during that period. However, the continuation of entertainment during this period had the opposite effect as customers were reluctant to leave while the entertainment continued. This resulted in customers leaving together on expiry of the 30-minute period, thereby increasing the risk of disturbance and disorder on the streets outside. I cannot accept the amendment.