Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on sequential closing of premises selling alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27166/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that the Licensing Acts already provide for a system of sequential closing of licensed premises. Existing legislation provides for a general closing time of 11.30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 12.30 a.m on Friday and Saturday and 11.00 p.m. on Sunday. A further period of 30 minutes drinking-up time is also permitted.

Special exemption orders which permit extended opening hours may be sought from the District Court for special occasions. A special exemption order expires where it extends to any Monday that is not a public holiday at 1.00 a.m., and in other cases at 2.30 a.m. Drinking-up time of 30 minutes is also permitted. The District Court may however grant an order for a shorter period for stated reasons, including public order reasons.

Recently, there has been a substantial growth in the number of theatre licences which are not subject to the general rules concerning closing time but are permitted to sell intoxicating liquor both before and after performances. In 2007, 76 theatre licences were issued by the Revenue Commissioners. To date this year, over 150 have been issued. The increasing use of such licences to circumvent the special exemption order provisions is a source of concern and the Government Alcohol Advisory Group has recommended that the general closing time rules should also apply to theatres.

Sections 9 and 10 of the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2008, which is before the House, contain proposals to give effect to the recommendations of the Advisory Group. In future, holders of theatre licences will be permitted to apply for special exemption orders under the same rules as other licensees. This is a necessary step in order to address problems arising from the increased availability of such licences and will ensure equality of treatment for all premises operating as late night venues.