Irish Examiner view: Another blow for rural Ireland

The report on the liberalisation of licensing laws contained a striking contradiction

The Sale of Alcohol Bill would provide for many more licensed premises in the country.

Tuesday’s report on the liberalisation of licensing laws contained a striking contradiction, which should be examined in more detail.

The liberalisation arises from the Sale of Alcohol Bill, which seeks to modernise the country’s legislation governing alcohol sales, and provides for alcohol licences becoming available for venues such as museums and galleries, as well as longer opening hours.