Report to target off-licence sales and pub hours

A REPORT by a Government-appointed Alcohol Advisory Group due to be presented to Justice Minister Brian Lenihan today is expected to recommend restrictions on the sale of alcohol through off-licences.

It is also likely to propose changes in support of staggering the opening hours of pubs and nightclubs, while addressing the controversial issue of below-cost selling and special promotions on the sale of alcohol through off-licences.

It will also call for increased restrictions on special exemptions granted to off-licences in order to limit opening hours in which alcohol can be sold in such outlets.