Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 309: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the monitoring of drink theatre licences that has taken place; the consultation that was held with An Garda Síochána, the District Courts and his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9656/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The holder of a public music and singing licence, which is granted by the District Court, is entitled to apply to the Revenue Commissioners for a theatre licence. The holder of a theatre licence may sell alcohol to persons who have engaged or paid for seats for a performance in the theatre during the period beginning half an hour before the commencement of a performance and ending half an hour after termination of the performance.

I am informed by the Garda authorities that all members of An Garda Síochána are tasked with the enforcement of legislation pertaining to criminal matters, including breaches of the liquor licensing provisions.

I announced the establishment of the Government Alcohol Advisory Group at the beginning of the year. I have asked the Group to examine urgently key aspects of the law governing the sale and consumption of alcohol, including those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption. I have asked the Group to report to me by the end of this month. I intend to bring forward after Easter urgent proposals for changes in the law which I hope will be enacted and implemented before the summer recess. In parallel with this, work will continue on the drafting of a comprehensive Sale of Alcohol Bill, which is already included in the Government Legislation Programme for 2008 and which will modernise and streamline the law in this area.