Publicans salute FF after café bar climbdown
Mr McDowell wanted to introduce the café bars to combat the country’s alcohol problem, the hope being that the food available on such premises would inhibit binge-drinking.
However, following talks with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern last week, he has abandoned the proposal.
More than 40 Fianna Fáil TDs and senators signed a motion which, among other things, objected to the café bar licence Mr McDowell envisaged creating in the forthcoming Intoxicating Liquor Bill.
It is the second major rift between the Government partners in recent months, following the row over a second terminal at Dublin Airport. The PDs were widely perceived to have lost that battle, and were on the defensive yesterday, insisting they had not climbed down on the café bar plan.
“I don’t accept that,” said Tánaiste Mary Harney.
“In the nature of coalition governments, you win some things, you lose some things.”
Meanwhile, a government spokeswoman last night said it was “very unfair” to suggest the only reason Fianna Fáil had concerns about the café bar proposal was because of lobbying by publicans. Party members were concerned about the possible adverse health and social implications, she said.
However, Mr McDowell, who will brief the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party on the issue tonight, spoke of the “vested interests” which had fought his plan.
He also warned their opposition could backfire because he was now intent on deregulating the restaurant sector.
At present, restaurants wishing to serve a comprehensive selection of drinks must apply to the Circuit Court for a special licence costing €3,800. Alternatively, they can obtain a wine-only licence from the Revenue Commissioners for a nominal fee.
However, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, Henry O’Neill, said he was puzzled at the importance the minister was attaching to the liberalisation of restaurant licences, since they were easy to come by already.
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