John Paul O'Shea (Cork North-West, Fine Gael)
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489. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the measures being considered by his Department for the introduction of a minimum distance requirement from schools for the establishment of new off-licence premises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50347/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government commits to updating our licensing laws, which, it is intended, will be done in due course, and the issue raised by the Deputy can be considered as part of that process.

All licensed premises are obliged to acquire planning permission before a licence is issued. Objections in respect of the suitability of the proposed location of the licensed premises can be raised at this juncture. In that regard, any planning regulation dimensions relating to the Deputy's proposal are a mater for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

It is important to note that the sale and supply of alcohol products to minors is and will remain a criminal offence. Section 31 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended) provides for a prohibition on the purchase, provision, or consumption of intoxicating liquor by a person under 18. A breach of these provisions is a criminal offence, subject to a fine of up to €3,000 for a first offence, and up to €5,000 for a second or subsequent offence.

A conviction can also be used to ground an objection to the renewal of a licence by An Garda Síochána, or other objectors, with clear consequences for the business in question.