Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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437. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his views on whether current licensing laws curtail people’s ability to experience night-life in Ireland’s cities; his plans to review these laws to bring Ireland into line with other European countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39731/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The position regarding the licensing hours applicable to nightclubs is that holders of an on-licence or theatre licence may apply to the District Court under section 5 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927 (as amended) for special exemption orders which permit extended opening hours. Section 5(5) of the 1927 Act provides that a special exemption order shall expire at 2.30 a.m. (1.00 a.m. where it extends to a Monday that is not a public holiday) unless the Court, for stated reasons, grants the order for a shorter period. Section 7 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962 (as amended) allows a further thirty minutes drinking-up time.

The Government Legislation Programme published on 18 September provides for publication of the Sale of Alcohol Bill in 2014. This Bill will update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol on licensed premises by repealing the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replacing them with provisions more suited to modern conditions. It will include updated provisions relating to the operation of nightclubs. As regards the contents of the Bill, I intend to complete consultations with relevant interests, including the nightclub sector, before finalising its provisions.