Sheila Gilheany: Extending alcohol trading hours extends the harm

A one-hour extension of trading hours would equate to a 16% increase in alcohol-related crime, a 30% increase in road collisions in rural areas, and a 34% increase in alcohol-related injuries

The WHO has noted that alcohol harm amounts to around 2.5% of GDP in high-income countries. For Ireland, that would equate to approximately €12bn annually. Picture: Johnny Green/PA

The Government is preparing to publish the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2024, which includes proposals to increase alcohol availability by extending licencing hours of all bars/restaurants from 11.30pm to 12.30am, facilitating late-night opening of bars to 2.30am, extending nightclub hours to 6am, and introducing a new cultural amenity license, all in the guise of enhancing the night-time economy.

What harm can a few extra trading hours do, some might say?