A demand that licences granted to off-licences over the past decade be suspended to curb alcohol abuse was rejected by delegates at the ardfheis.
The motion, which was moved by the Duffy/Downey Cumann from Louth, referred to the "disturbing off-licence culture which has mushroomed throughout the country".
The motion was opposed by Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghin Ó Caolain, who said a multifaceted approach was needed to deal with the State's alcohol problem. He warned that the Louth proposal was "both unreasonable and unworkable".
Mr Ó Caolain added: "It would also penalise a huge number of licence-holders for the wrongdoing of a minority."
Michael Carr, Dublin, suggested that the pub licensing laws be liberalised on a European model with a view to reducing binge drinking.
"This would mean more flexible opening and closing times, subject to local conditions. It is time in Ireland to have a more mature attitude to drink. We need to reduce the need for people to drink fast."
The debate heard a renewed attack on the Minister for Justice by the party's justice spokesman Aengus Ó Snodaigh.
"The Minister for Injustice claims he is waging war on crime but in reality he has done nothing to bring security to the daily lives of working-class people in this State.
"Instead of dealing with real issues and real crises, he has subjected us to a green scare worthy of McCarthyism. He has distracted us with reactionary immigration policies based on racist stereotypes and ideological imperatives rather than evidence.
"He has cooked up totally incoherent plans for changes in the prison system which are largely based on right-wing policies proven to fail in other jurisdictions."
Mr Ó Snodaigh accused Mr McDowell of leading the attack on the growing strength of republicans.
"He has smeared us as individuals. He has actively subverted the peace process. And he has disembowelled the equality and human rights agenda that is so central to our project," he said.
"Seven years into the peace process, McDowell has also actually increased the amount of repressive legislation on the books and is creating another Special Criminal Court."
Mr Ó Snodaigh said Sinn Féin believed that everyone had an equal right to safety and security in their homes and communities, regardless of where they lived, their political opinion, their gender, their age, their socio-economic or other status.
"Everyone has the right to live free of fear. Everyone has the right to freedom from exploitation and abuse by others in their community. Everyone has the right to a legitimate, effective and accountable policing service," he said.
