James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senators for their time and contributions. These are still extraordinary times and, with the extension of this Act to 31 May 2022, I hope it sends a message of our determination to support and provide clarity to businesses, An Garda Síochána and our communities.

This extension clarifies the position of licence holders who wish to sell and serve alcohol adjacent to a licensed premises in an area approved by the relevant local authority. Under current legislation, these premises have no remedy to amend their licence to include such an area. In addition, to ensure maximum equity with businesses, it was considered prudent to provide clarity and assurance for licensees who were relying on private property immediately adjacent to their licensed premises to provide outdoors seating areas. With the extension of this Act, continued certainty is provided to licensees. This will ensure we do not end up in a position where further emergency measures are required in the coming months to address the gap in licensing legislation in respect of outdoor seating areas.

Providing clarity to licensed premises, An Garda Síochána and our local authorities and communities was, and is, of the utmost importance. We can all agree these measures address this matter for licensees, have worked effectively and will continue to do so for the period ahead with the support of these Houses.

I acknowledge again the importance of the work being undertaken to deliver on the Government's commitment to modernising alcohol legislation. We look forward to brighter days ahead and producing legislation to codify the licensing laws and bring a more permanent solution to the situation this Act addresses.

We as a Government want to do as much as we can to support the night-time industry and I look forward to working with the House on this legislation. In these challenging times, I understand how difficult it has been for businesses and workers. Everyone wants to continue to make a living and operate safely. The surge we are experiencing is a stark reminder of the threat Covid-19 continues to represent. The importance of this Act is evident to us all. We continue to provide clarity on this matter to businesses, local authorities and An Garda Síochána. In addition, public interest is best served by having the provisions of this Act available for the protection of public health. I thank Senators for their support.