Govt kickstarts bid to deregulate drinks trade

The Minister for Justice is pressing ahead with plans to deregulate the drinks trade.

The planned liberalisation of the off-licence sector comes after an official report, presented to the Government, advocates the removal of barriers to competition.

Off-licences are vigorously campaigning against deregulation.

They are not the only group against the move - Minister O’Donoghue is also likely to face intense political opposition.

Some Fianna Fail backbenchers have already said they do not agree with the proposals.

Independent TD and publican Jackie Healy-Rae, on whose vote the coalition depends, is also opposed.

The full report of the Liquor Licensing Commission could be published as early as today, but legislation is not likely to follow until later this year, and may not come before the houses of the Oireachtas before the next election.