Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Section 54 provides for the amendment of section 21 of the Betting Act 1931 on the hours of business of registered premises. I have concerns about the proposal. It was Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday with Easter Sunday having been taken out. I agree with that. However, section 54 provides that these shops can be open from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. on any other day. Bookies' shops should not be open on Sundays after 5 p.m. or 6 p.m., which has always been the practice. It should not be increased until 10 p.m. on Sundays. Premises should not be open from 7 a.m. either. Why in the name of God would these premises be open at 7 a.m.? While I acknowledge that they are competing with the betting exchanges and online betting, I am also thinking about the staff employed at these premises. Many of them are afraid they will now be asked to come in at 7 a.m. to work until 10 p.m.

The section provides that they cannot open before 7 a.m. until after 10 p.m. "on any other day". I take it that Sunday is included and I disagree with it as would the vast majority of bookmakers themselves. Certainly, the staff are not in agreement with opening on Sundays, in particular until 10 p.m. I doubt very much if there is a necessity for opening shops at 7 a.m. either. I ask the Minister to consider the matter on Report Stage as we are going too far altogether by having betting shops open on Sundays until 10 p.m. We are extending it. Easter Sunday used to be included, but I can see the reason why it is only Christmas Day and Good Friday on which the shops must be closed now. However, I have grave reservations about 7 a.m. opening every other day, including Sundays.