The Minister for Justice has published a new Bill aimed at stamping out public drunkeness and disorderly conduct.
The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2003 contains provisions for earlier pub closing on Thursdays, the banning of "happy hours" and increased powers to non-uniformed gardaí to clamp down on after-hours sales.
The Bill was published today after the Cabinet in May agreed wide ranging measures to combat alcohol abuse.
To combat drunkenness and disorderly conduct, the Bill suggests stronger penalties in relation to the sale of alcohol to people who are drunken in a licensed premises.
Under the Bill, closing times on Thursday nights would be brought back to 11.30 p.m., and a ban on entertainment during the 30 minutes drinking-up time would be introduced.
Pub owners will have discretion to exclude under 18s from their premises at any time but will be required to exclude them after 8 p.m., the Bill says. Furthermore the Bill suggests a new requirement for under 21s to carry an age document when in a pub. These proposals contained in the Bill would require a change in the Equal Status Act 2000.
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, is drafting legislation to impose limits on alcohol advertising on TV, radio, cinema, magazines, schools, youth centres, public transport, and public buildings.
Under the law, ads will be monitored to ensure they are not targeted at the youth market and the drinks industry will be banned from sponsoring young people's sport and leisure activities.
In a statement, Mr McDowell said he was "anxious to receive the co-operation of the Dáil and Seanad to ensure that the Bill could be enacted before the Summer recess."
