Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 4a:

In page 5, before section 6, to insert the following new section:

"6.—Section 4 (as amended by section 10 of the Act of 1960) of the Act of 1927 is amended:

(a) in subsection (3), by the insertion of the words "Subject to subsection (11)" at the beginning of that subsection;

(b) by the insertion of a new subsection (10A) as follows: "(10A) It shall not be lawful for the holder of a general exemption order to sell intoxicating liquor for consumption off the premises during the period of exemption.".

This is an amendment concerning early houses. It is in the context of the debate on not discontinuing the licences for early house pubs. It is appropriate, in view of the concern for public order, that there would be no off-licence sales from early houses. That is the purpose of this amendment. It is in the spirit of addressing the issue of public order and drinking that can give rise to public disorder. It deals specifically with the off-licence sales from early houses.