Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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498. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will streamline the licensing system for wine, spirits and beer in restaurants in order that only one licence and one application/renewal fee would cover all three areas; if her attention has been drawn to the red tape involved at present under the current system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27328/14]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The position is that statutory provisions governing the liquor licensing system, including the arrangements for annual renewal of restaurant licences, are set out in the Licensing Acts 1833 to 2011. The Government Legislation Programme provides for future publication of a Sale of Alcohol Bill which will update the Licensing Acts, as well as the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008, and replace them with provisions more suited to modern conditions. This Bill will provide an opportunity to streamline the rules in relation to the licensing of restaurants and the renewal of licences. 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.