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Doctors' group warns longer pub opening hours are 'regressive and harmful'

Proposed new laws would allow pubs open from 10.30am to 12.30am, seven days a week, while nightclubs could open until 6am.

THE IRISH MEDICAL Organisation (IMO) has warned that the extension of alcohol licensing laws is a “regressive and harmful” move that runs contrary to the Government’s stated goal of reducing alcohol intake by 20%.

The organisation accused the Government of not having a coherent policy on alcohol.

The Cabinet approved legislation on Tuesday that would allow pubs to open from 10.30am to 12.30am, seven days a week, while nightclubs can remain open until 6am.

Venues will be prohibited from serving alcohol after 5am, but dancing can continue for another hour.

Opening hours for late bars will remain at 2.30am, while a new later bar permit will be required.

If the legislation is passed by the Oireachtas, the changes are likely to be enacted next year.

Dr Anne Dee, chair of the Public Health Committee of the IMO, said that the move was “inexplicable” in the current climate.

“This Government does not have a coherent policy on alcohol,” she said. “It makes no sense that, on one hand, it is looking to extend alcohol licensing laws while on the other, it is also looking to reduce alcohol consumption by 20%.

“This move is, at best, not thought through and, at worst, regressive and ultimately harmful.

“Alcohol is an extremely dangerous drug which causes huge amounts of direct and indirect harm every day.

“There is no justification for extending licensing laws given its harmful impact on people’s health. The last thing we need is to increase people’s exposure to it.”

The IMO added that the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 is not being implemented quickly enough, and as a result alcohol consumption had not reduced in line with Government goals.

The publication of the General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill, which is set to reform and streamline licensing laws, is aimed at supporting and stimulating the night-time economy.

As part of the overhaul of the current laws, venues will be expected to comply with regulations when applying for a new licence or renewing a current one.

Late bars and nightclubs will have to apply to the district courts to approve a permit, while they will also need CCTV on the premises.

Objections to new and renewed licences can be raised by fire services, authorities, gardai and local communities.

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    Mute Aidan Augustus Daly
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    May 11th 2018, 7:34 AM

    A awful tragedy my prayers are with his folks

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    Mute Owen Jennings
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    May 11th 2018, 7:40 AM

    RIP. The guy was a genius songwriter and musician

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    Mute Dermot Quinn
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    May 11th 2018, 7:34 AM

    Terrible news. RIP Scott.

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    Mute Ciara Baines
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    May 11th 2018, 8:31 AM

    Very sad news. My brother is a big fan and I’ve heard his music through him, seemed like a very talented young man. RIP.

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    Mute Mick12
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    May 11th 2018, 9:09 AM

    It just shows you fame and fortune are not everything. There are more important things in life like feeling wanted and loved. Suicide knows no barriers, R.I.P.

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    Mute Veronica
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    May 11th 2018, 9:50 AM

    @Mick12: it really doesn’t. So sad, I was really hoping he would be found alive. This time for his family must be agonising.

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    Mute Stephen D
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    May 11th 2018, 1:59 PM

    I saw him perform a great set last year at Lost Evenings, a festival I’m currently attending again. Everyone here has nothing but good things to say about Scott, as a musician and a person. RIP Scott.
    To all lads out there, don’t be too tough to talk.

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    Mute Bobby Byrne
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    May 11th 2018, 7:40 AM

    Poor lad. Hoping it was going to have a happy ending. RIP

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    Mute Keith Flood
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    May 11th 2018, 10:21 AM

    The pace and pressure of modern day life is having a devastating effect on people’s mental health and well-being . The statistics are frightening . Poor lad . R.I.P.

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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    May 11th 2018, 7:48 AM

    Awful news. Such a waste. RIP.

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    Mute liam noonan
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    May 11th 2018, 8:29 AM

    Terrible news. They played an amazing gig in Dolans last year.

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    Mute Suzie
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    May 11th 2018, 7:20 PM

    Heartbroken. Much is written about the sad songs he wrote but there are also the sweetest, funniest love songs. A poet for our times lost far too soon. To all the lads on this chat if you do one thing this weekend ask your mates how they are & don’t be satisfied with “grand”. Just listening saves lives.

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    Mute Ann Harvey
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    May 11th 2018, 3:50 PM

    Oh that is just pure sad, pure sad.

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    Mute Ray Farrell
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    May 11th 2018, 3:21 PM

    RIP poor soul.

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    May 11th 2018, 5:55 PM

    Very Sad RIP

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