Taoiseach and Minister for Justice announce new measures to tackle binge drinking and public disorder

The Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, T.D. and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Brian Lenihan, T.D., today announced new legislative measures to tackle the increasing availability and excessive consumption of alcohol, and the public order problems caused by binge drinking.

The draft legislation, the Intoxicating Liquor/Public Order Bill 2008, proposes the reform of both licensing law and public order legislation in response to recommendations contained in the Report of the Alcohol Advisory Group also being published today. Drafting of the Bill is at an advanced stage with a view to its enactment before the Oireachtas rises for the summer break.

Speaking at today’s event the Taoiseach and Minister Lenihan both congratulated Dr Gordon Holmes, chair of the Advisory Group, and the other members of the Group for prompt delivery of an excellent report. The legislative measures announced today are the first step in implementing the Group’s recommendations and taking action to deal with the problem of binge drinking and the public order problems it causes.

Speaking at the launch, the Taoiseach said: “The State has a key role to play in ensuring that licensing laws and public order legislation is adequate and effective. Parents too have an indispensable role. Nor should we overlook the importance of personal responsibility.

As a society, we need to take responsibility both collectively and individually in order to address the problems arising from excessive consumption of alcohol. We need to examine our acceptance of heavy drinking and the signal that this is sending, particularly to our young people.

Government has a clear responsibility to ensure that our laws and regulations are supportive of cultural change in this area. The draft Bill published today is a concrete example of the Government’s determination to do its part in changing attitudes to alcohol consumption.”