Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the progress made on establishing a special nightclub permit under the sale of alcohol Bill; his plans to allow nightclubs to approach European norms regarding closing time; his views on staggered closing times as a means of reducing the pressure of closing all establishments at the same time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42753/09]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that I intend to make provision for a nightclub permit in the forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill. The availability of such a permit, which will be granted by the District Court subject to compliance with statutory conditions and payment of the specified fee, will relieve nightclubs of the necessity of repeatedly applying for special exemption orders in order to remain open beyond normal licensing hours. Under existing arrangements, operators of nightclubs may apply at regular intervals to the District Court for special exemption orders and such orders may be granted by the Court subject to compliance with conditions set out in section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, as amended. Special exemption orders normally expire at 2.30 a.m. (1.00 a.m. on Monday mornings), unless the Court, for stated reasons, considers it expedient to grant the order for a shorter period. With the addition of 30 minutes drinking-up time, premises benefitting from special exemption order may remain open until at 3.00 a.m. (1.30 a.m. on Monday mornings). The regulation of licensing hours, including those applicable to nightclubs, is a matter for individual Member States and generally reflects the unique historical, social and cultural aspects of the country concerned. Member States generally have regard to factors such as their alcohol consumption patterns and levels of alcohol-related harm as well as public policy objectives such as promoting public health and maintaining public order.