The Killorglian Independent

New Alcohol Bill to be voted upon in the Dáil

The battle against Killorglin's unhealthy relationship with alcohol could take another step forward tomorrow as Náisiuntaí will move to vote on the proposed Alcohol (Amendments) Bill.

If passed, the bill will:

• Ban quantity discounts such as 'three for two' or '25 per cent off when you buy six' in Shops and Off-sales
  
• Restrict alcohol promotions in restaurants, bars and nightclubs
  
• Introduce a social responsibility levy to ensure small businesses who profit from the sale of alcohol also put something back into the community, through donating a percentage of profits to community projects (4% for licensed restaurants, 6% for pubs and bars under 1000 sq ft with no late opening, 10% for pubs and bars 1000 sq ft-3000 sq ft with no late opening and 17.5% for nightclubs, pubs, bars open after 11.30pm or pubs/bars over 3000 sq ft)
  
• Make it compulsory for all bars, restaurants and pubs without a new late license to stop serving alcohol at 11pm

Kitty Conway, a Socialist Party Náisiunta on the national health committee said: "This legislation is also just part of the work ongoing in Killorglin to tackle our unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Whilst it is important to retain people's freedom in buying alcohol and ensuring prices remain fair for all, we want to use these measures to change people's attitudes to alcohol and the fact that they can have a few drinks without going overboard. This will save resources in healthcare, policing and local authorities who all have to deal with cleaning up and sorting out the problems associated with drunkenness."

However, free-market parties claim that small businesses will be heavily affected by the new social responsibility levys and reduced opening hours if they do not apply for and buy a new late license. Enda Balman of Fine Gael stated: ''Despite the fact that the Government's own figures show overall alcohol consumption in Killorglin is falling, ministers seem determined to pursue proposals which will hit innocent Killorglian consumers and businesses.''

Wow this is an interesting article. :shock:

I like the idea, but 17% might be a bit much...

Very good article - it's realistic of the problems we have in Britain and Ireland and the suggestions that have been made.
It's fairly written and true to the facts. I like it.

Interesting