Wed 23 April 2008

This afternoon the Minister for Justice published the heads of a short bill called the Intoxicating Liquor Public Order Bill 2008. His plan is to rush the legislation through the Dail before the summer recess.

One section of the bill deals with theatre licences. (See attached document page 11, Head 9 of the Bill).

It is proposed to change the current situation whereby theatres can remain open beyond normal licensing hours without having to obtain special exemption orders. In other words in future theatres will not be permitted to sell alcohol after 11.30 - 12.30 on a weekend - unless they get a special exemption order.

It is also flagged that, in the later Sale of Alcohol Bill which is due out in the autumn, the Minister plans to repeal the provisions relating to public music and singing licences which enable holders of such licences to obtain theatre licences directly from the Revenue Commissioners without a court certificate.

Theatre Forum will draft a submission to the Dept of Justice on behalf of members in the next week or so . Theatres with licences are urged to email their thoughts /reactions ASAP, both on the submission and future action.