Noel Ahern (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding, and the difficulties being faced by, night clubs since changes to drink hours, extensions, theatre licences and so on were made; if his attention has been drawn to the financial effects of such changes on nightclubs; if he will offer solutions or advice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19579/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The widely welcomed legislative reforms introduced in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 were directed towards tackling the significant public order problems associated with binge drinking in this country. They were based on recommendations made by the Government Alcohol Advisory Group. As recommended by the Group, the 2008 Act addressed a legislative loophole whereby premises operating under a theatre licence were able to sidestep the normal requirement to obtain special exemption orders from the courts in order to remain open beyond normal licensing hours. The result is that all premises wishing to remain open beyond normal licensing hours now require a special exemption order from the District Court in order to do so.

While nightclubs are currently reliant on special exemption orders in order to remain open beyond normal licensing hours, I intend to make provision for a nightclub permit in the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill. The Government Legislation Programme published on 22 April provides for the publication of this Bill in 2009. The increase in fees applicable to special exemption orders provided for in the District Court (Fees) Order 2008 (SI 202 of 2008) was the first such increase since 2004.