Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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158. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to detail her plans to review the licensing laws for pubs and restaurants on Good Friday; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20805/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Government Legislation Programme provides for future publication of a Sale of Alcohol Bill which will update the law relating to the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol in licensed premises and registered clubs, including the statutory provisions relating to times when alcohol may be sold. The Bill will repeal the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011 and the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008 and replace them with streamlined and updated provisions. The statutory provisions restricting the sale of alcohol on Good Friday, which have historical origins, will be examined in that context.

Unfortunately, due to the complex nature of the proposed Bill, I am not in a position to state when it will be published. However, it is my intention to proceed quickly with enactment of the legislation following publication.