Closing time and the licensing laws

Further demands on An Garda Síochána and health services

Sir, – I note the Cabinet is considering significant changes to the licensing laws (News, October 24th), and allowing pubs to stay open to 12:30am and nightclubs until 6am! This seems extraordinary given the drink and drug-fuelled violence which many of our city centres are currently experiencing. There will be further demands on An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and of course the taxi services.

The Cabinet’s first priorities should be to ensure that our policing and A&E departments are properly staffed. Then and only then should consideration be given to increasing opening hours.– Yours, etc,

MIKE CORMACK,

Blackrock,

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Co Dublin.

Sir, – Ireland has a serious problem with alcohol abuse. Please do not say that people will be reasonable. We know from experience this is not true.

Please stop this lunacy before it has dire fallout. We lose people every day through alcohol abuse. – Yours, etc,

LUCY LYNAM,

Ferns,

Co Wexford.