Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 99: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will amend the law on the matter of theatre licences; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9056/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government Legislative Programme published on 29 January last provides for the publication of a Sale of Alcohol Bill in late 2008. This Bill will modernise and streamline the laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol, including provisions relating to the grant of theatre licences and the sale of alcohol in such premises, by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004, and replacing them with updated provisions more suited to modern conditions.

As the Deputy may be aware, I have asked the Government Alcohol Advisory Group to examine the public order aspects of the sale and consumption of alcohol, including issues relating to longer opening hours and special exemption orders, and to report to me with their assessment of how best to proceed by 31 March.

I intend then to bring forward a short Bill with urgent proposals for statutory reforms which I hope will, with the assistance of both Houses, be enacted and implemented before the Summer recess. I will of course consider giving effect to any reforms recommended by the Group in relation to theatre licences in this legislation.