Sean Murray: From pubs to clubs, modernising alcohol laws is no easy task

The Oireachtas justice committee heard from a number of stakeholders yesterday, with the impact on health a lingering issue, writes Sean Murray

The Vintners’ Federation of Ireland told the Oireachtas justice committee that some pubs in rural Ireland are ‘hanging on by their nails’.

THE General Scheme of the Sale of Alcohol Bill (2022) is a lengthy piece of draft legislation at over 440 pages.

In a speech by then-justice minister Helen McEntee last year  announcing the new proposed laws, she used the words "modern" or "modernisation" seven times.