Written answers
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform
Liquor Licensing Laws
9:00 pm
Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 119: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform when regulations to give effect to section 16(1)(b) of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008, regarding reducing the risk of excessive consumption of alcohol among young drinkers, will be published; and if these regulations will prohibit the marketing or promotion of cut price or free alcohol directed towards young people. [13591/09]
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that section 16 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 provides for the making of regulations to prohibit or restrict the advertising, promotion, sale or supply of alcohol products at a reduced price or free of charge on the purchase of any quantity of alcohol or of any other product or service. 'Reduced price' in this context includes the direct and indirect use of bonus points, loyalty cards or any similar benefit.
Following enactment of the legislation, I approved the drafting of regulations under section 16(1)(b) with a view to prohibiting licensees from selling or supplying alcohol products at a reduced price or free of charge. These were subsequently notified to the European Commission as required under the Technical Standards Directive. This reporting arrangement is intended to ensure that national measures are in full accord with the smooth functioning of the EU internal market. The period during which the Commission and other Member States may raise questions or submit observations on the draft regulations has recently expired. As no comments have been received, it is now intended to proceed with the process of finalising the text of the regulations.
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