IMO submission to Minister McDowell on liquor laws

Mr. Michael McDowell, TD

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Dear Minister,
We wish to bring to your attention our views on the proposed
Intoxicating Liquor Bill.

We have serious concerns that your proposed legislation is going to make
matters worse vis a vis our national alcohol problem. Public debate on
the Bill has centred on the creation of a cafe culture in Ireland. This
would be desirable but your legislation will not bring this about.

Our analysis is that;
i)          The proposed legislation will increase availability of
alcohol, through more outlets and distance sales. In particular we
believe Head 74 of the Bill will cause serious damage to the health and
social fabric of our country. The current situation with regard to
Off-Licences should show how totally inadequate our current attempts to
limit underage drinking are.

ii)         The links between alcohol consumption and sporting  events
in our country will be strengthened. Heads 150,151 and 152 will
facilitate consumption of alcohol at a wide number of sporting events.

iii)         The large producers of alcohol will be the prime
beneficiaries of your legislation.

iv)        The ever growing list of alcohol related problems will
expand; public order, A/E, suicide, fatal road traffic accidents, house
fires, water safety issues among others.

v)         Further deregulation of the sale of alcohol will be the
inevitable result of your legislation. There is a widely acknowledged
problem with super-pubs in the country and we believe you share the
concern. The proposed legislation will not address this issue which we
believe is a missed opportunity.

We understand a recent Government decision asks relevant Ministers to
implement recommendations of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol. The
proposed legislation goes against the recommendations of the Strategic
Task Force (Specifically recommendation 1.2) of the second report.


We ask you to consider the following;
i)          Apply the 130 sq metre rule to all new licences and only
grant new licences on extinguishing of old licences

ii)         Set up a dedicated unit within An Garda Siochána to address
our national alcohol problem

iv)        Delete Heads 74, 150, 151 and 152 of the Bill

iv)        Give the health authorities the right to object, on public
health grounds, to the granting of new licences, licence renewal,
exemptions and to set specific conditions for licences. (Recommendation
1.4 of the interim Report of the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol)

You hold a very important position in Irish public life and we ask you
to legislate on behalf of the common good. We  have a widely accepted
serious problem with  alcohol and your proposed legislation will make
matters worse.

Yours sincerely

George McNeice
Chief Executive
Irish Medical Organisation