Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if theatre licences are still granted by the customs service; the number of licences issued in each of the past three years, in Dublin and countrywide; if they are monitored; and if so, the person by whom they are monitored; if the Garda Síochána are consulted before a licence is granted or renewed; and if he is satisfied with the present system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11763/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that Theatre Licences continue to be issued by Revenue offices throughout the country.

The number of such licences granted, or were in existence, in each of the past three years are as follows (normally Theatre Licences run from 1 October to the following 30 September):

Each Theatre Licence application is subjected to individual scrutiny which includes a requirement to ensure that the applicant is (a) the holder of a current licence under S.51 Public Health (Amendment) Act 1890 issued by the District Court (i.e. premises or portion thereof is licensed as a place of entertainment) and (b) holds a current Tax Clearance Certificate. An Garda Síochána is not required to be consulted prior to the issue of a Theatre Licence.

The enforcement of compliance with alcohol licences, including Theatre Licences, is a matter for An Garda Síochána. As the Deputy will be aware the Government Alcohol Advisory Group has been established by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to consider key aspects of the law governing the sale and consumption of alcohol.