LegalizeReform history
Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008
2 versions
· 2008-07-21
2022-05-04
IE-2008-act-17 — consolidated version 2022-05-04
Changes on 2022-05-04
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
# Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008
## PART 1 Preliminary and General
##### 1. Short title, collective citations, construction and commencement.
##### 1. **Short title, collective citations, construction and commencement.**
**1**.— (1) This Act may be cited as the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008.
@@ -14,7 +12,7 @@
(5) This Act shall come into operation on such day or days as the Minister may fix by order, either generally or with reference to any particular purpose or provision, and different days may be so fixed for different purposes and different provisions.
##### 2. Interpretation.
##### 2. **Interpretation.**
**2**.— In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—
@@ -56,13 +54,13 @@
“ wine retailer’s off-licence ” has the meaning assigned to it by the Act of 1910.
##### 3. Repeal.
##### 3. **Repeal.**
**3**.— Subsection (2) (inserted by section 4 of the Act of 2000) of section 3 of the Act of 1927 is repealed.
## PART 2 Sale and Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor
##### 4. Amendment of section 2 of Act of 1927.
##### 4. **Amendment of section 2 of Act of 1927.**
**4**.— Section 2 (inserted by section 25 of the Act of 1988 and as amended by section 3 of the Act of 2000 and section 10 of the Act of 2003) of the Act of 1927 is amended—
@@ -86,7 +84,7 @@
(*b*) ending at 10.30 a.m. on that day.”.
##### 5. Amendment of section 4 of Act of 1927.
##### 5. **Amendment of section 4 of Act of 1927.**
**5**.— Section 4 (as amended by section 10 of the Act of 1960) of the Act of 1927 is amended—
@@ -100,11 +98,11 @@
(*b*) for any time on any Sunday or Saint Patrick’s Day, Christmas Day or Good Friday.”.
##### 6. New wine retailer’s off-licence shall not be granted except pursuant to certificate issued by District Court.
##### 6. **New wine retailer’s off-licence shall not be granted except pursuant to certificate issued by District Court.**
**6**.— The Revenue Commissioners shall not grant a new wine retailer’s off-licence to a person unless a certificate is presented to them which has been received by the person from the District Court and which entitles the person to a wine retailer’s off-licence.
##### 7. Grounds on which District Court may refuse to give certificate in respect of new relevant off-licences.
##### 7. **Grounds on which District Court may refuse to give certificate in respect of new relevant off-licences.**
**7**.— (1) The District Court may refuse to give to a person a certificate entitling him or her to receive a new relevant off-licence in respect of premises on the grounds of—
@@ -144,7 +142,7 @@
(*c*) a wine retailer’s off-licence.
##### 8. Provisions supplementary to *sections 6* and *7*.
##### 8. **Provisions supplementary to sections 6 and 7.**
**8**.— For the purposes of *sections 6* and *7*—
@@ -152,402 +150,304 @@
(*b*) section 10 (inserted by section 9 of the Act of 1986) of the Licensing Act (Ireland) 1874 shall apply, in relation to a new wine retailer’s off-licence and with any necessary modifications, as such section 10 applies to a new spirit retailer’s off-licence.
##### 9. Amendment of section 3 of Act of 1927.
**9**.— Section 3 (as amended by section 4 of the Act of 2000) of the Act of 1927 is amended by inserting the following subsections after subsection (1):
“(1A) Subject to subsection (1B), where non-licensed business is carried on in any premises to which an off-licence is attached, the holder of the licence shall ensure that either—
(*a*) not later than the first anniversary of the commencement of *section 9* of the *Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008*—
(i) the exposure for sale and the sale of intoxicating liquor is exclusively confined to a part of the licensed premises—
(I) which is structurally separate from the remainder of the premises by means of a wall or similar barrier,
(II) to which access from the remainder of the premises by members of the public may only be obtained by means of a door, gate or turnstile or similar means of access,
(III) which members of the public do not have to pass through in order to obtain access to the remainder of the premises, and
(IV) in which none of the non-licensed business is carried on except the exposure for sale and the sale of any non-alcoholic beverage (including the payment for any article of such beverage) which is also, and at the same times, exposed for sale and sold in the remainder of the premises,
##### 9. **Amendment of section 3 of Act of 1927.**
**9**.— F2[…]
##### 10. **Amendment of section 5 of Act of 1927.**
**10**.— Section 5 (inserted by section 11 of the Act of 2003) of the Act of 1927 is amended—
(*a*) in subsection (1), in the definition of “ special exemption order ”, by inserting “, or the holder of a theatre licence,” after “on-licence”,
(*b*) by substituting the following subsections for subsection (4):
“(4) A special exemption order—
(*a*) shall contain the following conditions:
(i) that intoxicating liquor shall not be sold at the event, function or dance to which the order relates during the hours specified in the order to persons other than those attending the event;
(ii) that members of the public, other than persons so attending, shall not be admitted to the part of the premises in which intoxicating liquor is being supplied or consumed pursuant to the order;
(iii) that the event, function or dance is held in compliance with the relevant provisions of the definition of ‘special occasion’ in subsection (1);
(iv) that, in the case of a special occasion which does not fall within paragraph (*a*)(ii) of the definition of ‘special occasion’ in subsection (1), a closed circuit television system be in operation on the premises concerned during the course of the special occasion;
(v) if subparagraph (iv) is applicable but the premises concerned do not have a closed circuit television system installed in them, that a closed circuit television system be installed in them for the purposes of that subparagraph; and
(vi) that any person providing, in respect of the event, function or dance, a security service as a door supervisor, within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Private Security Services Act 2004, be the holder of a licence required under that Act to provide such service;
and
(ii) the only place within the premises at which members of the public may pay for intoxicating liquor is at a counter or point of sale situated within the part referred to in subparagraph (i),
or
(*b*) not later than the first anniversary of the commencement of *section 9* of the *Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008*, the exposure for sale and the sale of intoxicating liquor other than wine is exclusively confined to a part of the premises to which access by members of the public is prevented in such a manner that the sale of such intoxicating liquor to members of the public by means of self-service cannot be effected.
(1B) Subsection (1A) shall not apply in relation to—
(*a*) any premises the subject of a licence granted under Part IV of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1943, or
(*b*) any premises where the only non-licensed business carried on is the exposure for sale and the sale of—
(i) non-alcoholic beverages,
(ii) ice,
(iii) confectionery,
(iv) cigarettes, tobacco, cigars and matches, and
(v) such other commodities (if any) as may be prescribed in regulations made under subsection (1C) for the purpose of this subparagraph.
(1C) Subject to subsection (1D), the Minister may make regulations to prescribe commodities for the purposes of subparagraph (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (1B).
(1D) The Minister shall not prescribe a commodity under regulations made under subsection (1C) unless the Minister is satisfied that the commodity is ancillary to, and connected with, the exposure for sale and the sale of intoxicating liquor.
(1E) Every regulation made under subsection (1C) shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling it is passed by either House within the next subsequent 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, it shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under it.
(1F) A person who contravenes subsection (1A) is guilty of an offence and liable—
(*a*) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000, or
(*b*) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €100,000.
(1G) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1F) shall, on each day after having been convicted of such offence on which he or she continues to contravene subsection (1A) in relation to the premises to which that offence relates, be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,000.
(1H) In this section, ‘ self-service ’, in relation to intoxicating liquor exposed for sale or sold in any premises, means any method of sale which permits a member of the public to supply himself or herself with an article of intoxicating liquor so exposed or sold before payment for the article.”.
##### 10. Amendment of section 5 of Act of 1927.
**10**.— Section 5 (inserted by section 11 of the Act of 2003) of the Act of 1927 is amended—
(*a*) in subsection (1), in the definition of “ special exemption order ”, by inserting “, or the holder of a theatre licence,” after “on-licence”,
(*b*) by substituting the following subsections for subsection (4):
“(4) A special exemption order—
(*a*) shall contain the following conditions:
(i) that intoxicating liquor shall not be sold at the event, function or dance to which the order relates during the hours specified in the order to persons other than those attending the event;
(ii) that members of the public, other than persons so attending, shall not be admitted to the part of the premises in which intoxicating liquor is being supplied or consumed pursuant to the order;
(iii) that the event, function or dance is held in compliance with the relevant provisions of the definition of ‘special occasion’ in subsection (1);
(iv) that, in the case of a special occasion which does not fall within paragraph (*a*)(ii) of the definition of ‘special occasion’ in subsection (1), a closed circuit television system be in operation on the premises concerned during the course of the special occasion;
(v) if subparagraph (iv) is applicable but the premises concerned do not have a closed circuit television system installed in them, that a closed circuit television system be installed in them for the purposes of that subparagraph; and
(vi) that any person providing, in respect of the event, function or dance, a security service as a door supervisor, within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Private Security Services Act 2004, be the holder of a licence required under that Act to provide such service;
(*b*) may contain such other conditions as the Court thinks proper.
(4A) Nothing in subparagraphs (i) to (vi) of paragraph (*a*) of subsection (4) shall prejudice the generality of paragraph (*b*) of that subsection.”,
(*c*) in subsection (5), by inserting “(including reasons related to maintaining public order)” after “reasons”, and
(*d*) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (6):
“(6) The Court shall not grant a special exemption order in respect of any premises unless it is satisfied that—
(*a*) the premises comply with the fire safety standards under the Building Control Act 1990 applicable to such premises, and
(*b*) the special occasion will be conducted in a manner that will not—
(i) cause undue inconvenience or nuisance to persons residing in the locality, or
(ii) create an undue threat to public order or public safety in the locality.”.
##### 11. **Amendment of section 21 of Act of 1927.**
**11**.— Section 21 of the Act of 1927 is amended—
(*a*) in subsection (1), by deleting “not”, and
(*b*) in subsection (2), by substituting “Subject to subsection (1), in” for “In”.
##### 12. **Amendment of section 30 of Act of 1988.**
**12**.— Section 30 of the Act of 1988 is amended by inserting the following definition after the definition of “ age card ”:
“ ‘ bottle or container ’ means a bottle or container irrespective of whether—
(*a*) the bottle or container is opened or unopened, and
(*b*) any or all of the contents of the bottle or container have been or are being consumed,
and includes the contents of the bottle or container;”.
##### 13. **Amendment of section 36A of Act of 1988.**
**13**.— Section 36A (inserted by section 13 of the Act of 2000) of the Act of 1988 is amended, in subsection (2), in paragraph (*a*), by substituting “of not less than 2 and not more than” for “not exceeding”.
##### 14. **Insertion of new sections 37A, 37B and 37C into Act of 1988.**
**14**.— The Act of 1988 is amended by inserting the following sections after section 37:
“Power to seize intoxicating liquor in possession of person under age of 18 years, etc.
37A.— (1) This section applies where a member of the Garda Síochána believes with reasonable cause that—
(*a*) a person under the age of 18 years is in a relevant place alone or accompanied by another person,
(*b*) a bottle or container which contains intoxicating liquor is in the possession of the relevant person or the accompanying person, and
(*c*) such intoxicating liquor (whether in whole or in part) has been, is being, or is intended to be, consumed by the relevant person in such relevant place or another relevant place.
(2) Where this section applies, the member may—
(*a*) seek an explanation from the relevant person or, as appropriate, the accompanying person, as to all or any of the matters to which the relevant belief relates, and
(*b*) do one or more of the following, if such person fails or refuses to give such an explanation or if such an explanation is given, and in either case the member remains of the relevant belief:
(i) request such person in possession of the bottle or container to immediately give it to the member (or to another member of the Garda Síochána accompanying the member) and at the same time as the request is made give to such person a warning in ordinary language that a failure or refusal to comply with the request may lead to the seizure of the bottle or container or to his or her arrest or to both (or words to the like effect);
(ii) if such person fails or refuses to comply with the request, seize, detain and remove, without warrant, the bottle or container with the use, if necessary, of such force as is reasonable in the circumstances;
(iii) request the relevant person to provide the member with his or her name, address and age.
(3) Where—
(*a*) a person fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*b*) the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the name, address or age provided to the member, in compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), is false or misleading,
the member may arrest such person without warrant.
(4) A person who—
(*a*) fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*b*) in purported compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), provides to the member a name, address or age which is false or misleading,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €500.
(5) Where the member or another member of the Garda Síochána has been given, or has seized, detained and removed, a bottle or container pursuant to this section, the member shall—
(*a*) dispose of the bottle or container in such manner as he or she considers appropriate, and
(*b*) make and retain, or cause to be made and retained, a record in writing of the manner, date and place of such disposal.
(6) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the operation of the other provisions of this Act or of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts 1994 and 2003.
(7) In this section—
‘ relevant belief ’, in relation to a member of the Garda Síochána, means the belief referred to in subsection (1) of the member;
‘ relevant person ’ means the person first-mentioned in paragraph (*a*) of subsection (1);
‘ relevant place ’ means a place other than a place used as a private dwelling.
Power of entry for purposes of section 37A, etc.
37B.— A member of the Garda Síochána may enter without warrant a place other than a place used as a private dwelling if the member has reasonable grounds for believing that—
(*a*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 37A, or
(*b*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 8A (inserted by *section 19* of the *Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008*) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994,
are occurring in such place.
Test purchasing of intoxicating liquor.
37C.— (1) A member of the Garda Síochána may, in the course of his or her duty as such member and in accordance with guidelines issued under subsection (4), send a person who is at least 15 years of age but under the age of 18 years into licensed premises for the purpose of the person purchasing intoxicating liquor therein if but only if—
(*a*) the parent or guardian of the person has consented, in writing, to him or her being sent into those premises for that purpose, and
(*b*) the member is satisfied that all reasonable steps have been or will be taken to avoid harm to the welfare of the person.
(2) Section 32(3) (inserted by section 13 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003) shall not apply to a member of the Garda Síochána in any case where the member sends a person into licensed premises in accordance with subsection (1).
(3) Paragraphs (*a*) and (*c*) of section 33(1) shall not apply to a person in any case where a member of the Garda Síochána sends the person into licensed premises in accordance with subsection (1) and the person, whilst in those premises—
(*a*) purchases intoxicating liquor, or
(*b*) represents himself or herself for the purpose of obtaining, or being permitted to consume, intoxicating liquor, to be over the age of 18 years,
as the case requires.
(4) The Minister shall, after consulting with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and the Minister for Health and Children, from time to time issue guidelines in respect of the procedures to be followed with respect to the practical operation of this section, including guidelines as to—
(*a*) prohibiting any active instigation of a contravention of the *Licensing Acts 1833 to 2008*, such as a false representation, whether made orally or by means of the production of any document, that a person is over the age of 18 years, and
(*b*) the basis on which licensed premises will be selected for the purposes of the application of this section, whether by reference to the location of the premises, complaints received by the Garda Síochána concerning the premises, the number and kind of contraventions (if any) of the *Licensing Acts 1833 to 2008* relating to the premises, or the clientele attracted to the premises, or any combination thereof.
(5) This section (including guidelines issued under subsection (4)) shall also apply in relation to a club registered under the *Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008* as if references in this section (or such guidelines) to licensed premises were references to such a club and with any other necessary modifications.”.
##### 15. **Amendment of section 9 of Act of 2003.**
**15**.— Section 9(2)(*a*) of the Act of 2003 is amended by substituting “of not less than 2 and not more than” for “not exceeding”.
##### 16. **Regulations relating to sale, supply and consumption of intoxicating liquor.**
**16**.—F3[…]
##### 17. **Increase of certain fines in Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004.**
**17**.— Each provision mentioned in *column (2)* of *Schedule 1* of an enactment mentioned in *column (1)* of that Schedule opposite the mention of that provision is amended as specified in *column (3)* of that Schedule opposite the mention of that provision.
## PART 3 Amendment of Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
##### 18. **Amendment of section 4 of Act of 1994.**
**18**.— Section 4(4) of the Act of 1994 is amended by substituting the following definition for the definition of “bottle or container”:
“ ‘bottle or container’ means a bottle or container irrespective of whether—
(*a*) the bottle or container is opened or unopened, and
(*b*) any or all of the contents of the bottle or container have been or are being consumed,
and includes the contents of the bottle or container, but does not include a bottle or container for a substance which is in the possession of the person concerned for a purpose other than the intoxication of that or any other person;”.
##### 19. **Insertion of new sections 8A and 8B into Act of 1994.**
**19**.— The Act of 1994 is amended by inserting the following sections after section 8:
“Power to direct persons who are in possession of intoxicating substances, etc.
8A.— (1) This section applies where a member of the Garda Síochána believes with reasonable cause that—
(*a*) a person is in a relevant place alone or accompanied by other persons,
(*b*) a bottle or container which contains an intoxicating substance is in the possession of the relevant person, and
(*c*) the relevant person is acting in that place, or the relevant person and some or all of the accompanying persons are acting in that place, in a manner that—
(i) gives rise to a reasonable apprehension for the safety of persons or the safety of property or for the maintenance of the public peace, or
(ii) is causing, or gives rise to a reasonable apprehension is likely to cause, annoyance and nuisance to another person or persons or interference with that other person’s or persons’ peaceful possession and enjoyment by that other person or persons of his or her, or their, as the case may be, property.
(2) Where this section applies, the member may—
(*a*) seek an explanation from the relevant person as to all or any of the matters to which the relevant belief relates, and
(*b*) do one or more of the following, if the relevant person fails or refuses to give such an explanation or if such an explanation is given, and in either case the member remains of the relevant belief:
(i) request the relevant person to immediately give the bottle or container to the member (or to another member of the Garda Síochána accompanying the member) and at the same time as the request is made give to the relevant person a warning in ordinary language that a failure or refusal to comply with the request may lead to the seizure of the bottle or container or to his or her arrest or to both (or words to the like effect);
(ii) if the relevant person fails or refuses to comply with the request, seize, detain and remove, without warrant, the bottle or container with the use, if necessary, of such force as is reasonable in the circumstances;
(iii) direct the relevant person and, if appropriate, some or all of the accompanying persons, to desist from acting in the manner referred to in paragraph (*c*) of subsection (1);
(iv) direct the relevant person and, if appropriate, some or all of the accompanying persons, to leave immediately the place in a peaceable or orderly manner;
(v) request the relevant person to provide the member with his or her name and address.
(3) Where—
(*a*) a person fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2),
(*b*) a person fails or refuses to comply with a direction given by the member under subparagraph (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*c*) the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the name or address provided to the member, in compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), is false or misleading,
the member may arrest such person without warrant.
(4) A person who—
(*a*) fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*b*) in purported compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), provides to the member a name or address which is false or misleading,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €500.
(5) It shall be an offence for any person, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with a direction given by the member under subparagraph (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2).
(6) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (5) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,000.
(7) Where the member or another member of the Garda Síochána has been given, or has seized, detained and removed, a bottle or container pursuant to this section, the member shall—
(*a*) dispose of the bottle or container in such manner as he or she considers appropriate, and
(*b*) make and retain, or cause to be made and retained, a record in writing of the manner, date and place of such disposal.
(8) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the operation of the other provisions of this Act or of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003.
(9) In this section—
‘ bottle or container ’ means a bottle or container irrespective of whether—
(*a*) the bottle or container is opened or unopened, and
(*b*) any or all of the contents of the bottle or container have been or are being consumed,
and includes the contents of the bottle or container;
‘ relevant belief ’, in relation to a member of the Garda Síochána, means the belief referred to in subsection (1) of the member;
‘ relevant person ’ means the person first-mentioned in paragraph (*a*) of subsection (1);
‘ relevant place ’ means a place other than a place used as a private dwelling.
Power of entry for purposes of section 8A, etc.
8B.— A member of the Garda Síochána may enter without warrant a place other than a place used as a private dwelling if the member has reasonable grounds for believing that—
(*a*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 8A, or
(*b*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 37A (inserted by *section 14* of the *Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008*),
are occurring in such place.”.
##### 20. **Amendment of section 23A of Act of 1994.**
**20**.— Section 23A (inserted by section 184 of the Act of 2006) of the Act of 1994 is amended—
(*a*) in subsection (5)(*c*)—
(i) in subparagraph (i), by deleting “to a member of the Garda Síochána at a specified Garda Síochána station or to another specified person at a specified place” and substituting “in accordance with the notice”, and
(ii) in subparagraph (ii), by deleting “so pays” and substituting “pays in accordance with the notice”,
(*b*) in subsection (7), by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (*b*):
“(*b*) the payment shall be received in accordance with the notice and the person receiving the payment shall issue a receipt for it,”,
and
(*b*) may contain such other conditions as the Court thinks proper.
(4A) Nothing in subparagraphs (i) to (vi) of paragraph (*a*) of subsection (4) shall prejudice the generality of paragraph (*b*) of that subsection.”,
(*c*) in subsection (5), by inserting “(including reasons related to maintaining public order)” after “reasons”, and
(*d*) by substituting the following subsection for subsection (6):
“(6) The Court shall not grant a special exemption order in respect of any premises unless it is satisfied that—
(*a*) the premises comply with the fire safety standards under the Building Control Act 1990 applicable to such premises, and
(*b*) the special occasion will be conducted in a manner that will not—
(i) cause undue inconvenience or nuisance to persons residing in the locality, or
(ii) create an undue threat to public order or public safety in the locality.”.
##### 11. Amendment of section 21 of Act of 1927.
**11**.— Section 21 of the Act of 1927 is amended—
(*a*) in subsection (1), by deleting “not”, and
(*b*) in subsection (2), by substituting “Subject to subsection (1), in” for “In”.
##### 12. Amendment of section 30 of Act of 1988.
**12**.— Section 30 of the Act of 1988 is amended by inserting the following definition after the definition of “ age card ”:
“ ‘ bottle or container ’ means a bottle or container irrespective of whether—
(*a*) the bottle or container is opened or unopened, and
(*b*) any or all of the contents of the bottle or container have been or are being consumed,
and includes the contents of the bottle or container;”.
##### 13. Amendment of section 36A of Act of 1988.
**13**.— Section 36A (inserted by section 13 of the Act of 2000) of the Act of 1988 is amended, in subsection (2), in paragraph (*a*), by substituting “of not less than 2 and not more than” for “not exceeding”.
##### 14. Insertion of new sections 37A, 37B and 37C into Act of 1988.
**14**.— The Act of 1988 is amended by inserting the following sections after section 37:
“Power to seize intoxicating liquor in possession of person under age of 18 years, etc.
37A.— (1) This section applies where a member of the Garda Síochána believes with reasonable cause that—
(*a*) a person under the age of 18 years is in a relevant place alone or accompanied by another person,
(*b*) a bottle or container which contains intoxicating liquor is in the possession of the relevant person or the accompanying person, and
(*c*) such intoxicating liquor (whether in whole or in part) has been, is being, or is intended to be, consumed by the relevant person in such relevant place or another relevant place.
(2) Where this section applies, the member may—
(*a*) seek an explanation from the relevant person or, as appropriate, the accompanying person, as to all or any of the matters to which the relevant belief relates, and
(*b*) do one or more of the following, if such person fails or refuses to give such an explanation or if such an explanation is given, and in either case the member remains of the relevant belief:
(i) request such person in possession of the bottle or container to immediately give it to the member (or to another member of the Garda Síochána accompanying the member) and at the same time as the request is made give to such person a warning in ordinary language that a failure or refusal to comply with the request may lead to the seizure of the bottle or container or to his or her arrest or to both (or words to the like effect);
(ii) if such person fails or refuses to comply with the request, seize, detain and remove, without warrant, the bottle or container with the use, if necessary, of such force as is reasonable in the circumstances;
(iii) request the relevant person to provide the member with his or her name, address and age.
(3) Where—
(*a*) a person fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*b*) the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the name, address or age provided to the member, in compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), is false or misleading,
the member may arrest such person without warrant.
(4) A person who—
(*a*) fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*b*) in purported compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), provides to the member a name, address or age which is false or misleading,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €500.
(5) Where the member or another member of the Garda Síochána has been given, or has seized, detained and removed, a bottle or container pursuant to this section, the member shall—
(*a*) dispose of the bottle or container in such manner as he or she considers appropriate, and
(*b*) make and retain, or cause to be made and retained, a record in writing of the manner, date and place of such disposal.
(6) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the operation of the other provisions of this Act or of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Acts 1994 and 2003.
(7) In this section—
‘ relevant belief ’, in relation to a member of the Garda Síochána, means the belief referred to in subsection (1) of the member;
‘ relevant person ’ means the person first-mentioned in paragraph (*a*) of subsection (1);
‘ relevant place ’ means a place other than a place used as a private dwelling.
Power of entry for purposes of section 37A, etc.
37B.— A member of the Garda Síochána may enter without warrant a place other than a place used as a private dwelling if the member has reasonable grounds for believing that—
(*a*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 37A, or
(*b*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 8A (inserted by *section 19* of the *Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008*) of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994,
are occurring in such place.
Test purchasing of intoxicating liquor.
37C.— (1) A member of the Garda Síochána may, in the course of his or her duty as such member and in accordance with guidelines issued under subsection (4), send a person who is at least 15 years of age but under the age of 18 years into licensed premises for the purpose of the person purchasing intoxicating liquor therein if but only if—
(*a*) the parent or guardian of the person has consented, in writing, to him or her being sent into those premises for that purpose, and
(*b*) the member is satisfied that all reasonable steps have been or will be taken to avoid harm to the welfare of the person.
(2) Section 32(3) (inserted by section 13 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003) shall not apply to a member of the Garda Síochána in any case where the member sends a person into licensed premises in accordance with subsection (1).
(3) Paragraphs (*a*) and (*c*) of section 33(1) shall not apply to a person in any case where a member of the Garda Síochána sends the person into licensed premises in accordance with subsection (1) and the person, whilst in those premises—
(*a*) purchases intoxicating liquor, or
(*b*) represents himself or herself for the purpose of obtaining, or being permitted to consume, intoxicating liquor, to be over the age of 18 years,
as the case requires.
(4) The Minister shall, after consulting with the Commissioner of the Garda Síochána and the Minister for Health and Children, from time to time issue guidelines in respect of the procedures to be followed with respect to the practical operation of this section, including guidelines as to—
(*a*) prohibiting any active instigation of a contravention of the *Licensing Acts 1833 to 2008*, such as a false representation, whether made orally or by means of the production of any document, that a person is over the age of 18 years, and
(*b*) the basis on which licensed premises will be selected for the purposes of the application of this section, whether by reference to the location of the premises, complaints received by the Garda Síochána concerning the premises, the number and kind of contraventions (if any) of the *Licensing Acts 1833 to 2008* relating to the premises, or the clientele attracted to the premises, or any combination thereof.
(5) This section (including guidelines issued under subsection (4)) shall also apply in relation to a club registered under the *Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008* as if references in this section (or such guidelines) to licensed premises were references to such a club and with any other necessary modifications.”.
##### 15. Amendment of section 9 of Act of 2003.
**15**.— Section 9(2)(*a*) of the Act of 2003 is amended by substituting “of not less than 2 and not more than” for “not exceeding”.
##### 16. Regulations relating to sale, supply and consumption of intoxicating liquor.
**16**.— (1) Subject to *subsection (2)*, the Minister may make regulations—
(*a*) prohibiting or restricting a person from advertising or promoting the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor at a reduced price or free of charge on the purchase of any quantity of intoxicating liquor or of any other product or service,
(*b*) prohibiting or restricting a licensee from selling or supplying intoxicating liquor at a reduced price or free of charge to any person on the purchase by that person, or by any other person, of any quantity of intoxicating liquor or of any other product or service,
(*c*) prohibiting or restricting a person from doing or permitting, for the purposes of promoting that person’s business or any event or activity taking place in a place other than a place used as an occupied private residence, anything that is intended or likely to encourage persons in that place to consume intoxicating liquor to an excessive extent.
(2) In making regulations under this section, the Minister shall have regard to the need to reduce the consumption by persons of intoxicating liquor to an excessive extent and, without prejudice to the generality of that need, in particular have regard to—
(*a*) the need to reduce the risk of a threat to public order arising from the consumption of intoxicating liquor to an excessive extent,
(*b*) the health-related risks arising from the consumption of intoxicating liquor to an excessive extent, and
(*c*) in the case of advertising referred to in *subsection (1)* where the Minister is satisfied that the medium used for the advertising, or the nature of the advertising, or both, is intended or likely to encourage the consumption of intoxicating liquor to an excessive extent, the need to prohibit or restrict such advertising.
(3) Regulations made under this section may be expressed to apply by reference to one or more of the following:
(*a*) a class or classes of licensed premises;
(*b*) a class or classes of non-licensed premises (other than occupied private residences);
(*c*) a class or classes of intoxicating liquor; and
(*d*) a class or classes of advertising.
(4) (*a*) A person who contravenes regulations made under this section is guilty of an offence.
(*b*) A person guilty of an offence under *paragraph (a)* is liable—
(i) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000, or
(ii) on conviction on indictment, to a fine not exceeding €100,000.
(5) Every regulation made under this section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas as soon as may be after it is made and, if a resolution annulling it is passed by either House within the next subsequent 21 days on which that House has sat after the regulation is laid before it, it shall be annulled accordingly, but without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under it.
(6) For the purposes of this section, the sale or supply of intoxicating liquor at a reduced price or free of charge includes—
(*a*) the award, whether directly or indirectly, of bonus points, loyalty card points, or any similar benefit, to any person arising from the purchase by that person, or by any other person, of any intoxicating liquor,
(*b*) the use of any such points or benefit, whether directly or indirectly, to obtain intoxicating liquor, or any other product or service, at a reduced price or free of charge, and
(*c*) the use, whether directly or indirectly, of bonus points, loyalty card points, or any similar benefit, arising from the purchase of any product or service to obtain intoxicating liquor at a reduced price or free of charge.
(7) This section shall also apply in relation to a club registered under the Registration of Clubs Acts 1904 to 2008 as if references in this section to a licensee were references to the secretary of such a club and with any other necessary modifications.
##### 17. Increase of certain fines in Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004.
**17**.— Each provision mentioned in *column (2)* of *Schedule 1* of an enactment mentioned in *column (1)* of that Schedule opposite the mention of that provision is amended as specified in *column (3)* of that Schedule opposite the mention of that provision.
## PART 3 Amendment of Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
##### 18. Amendment of section 4 of Act of 1994.
**18**.— Section 4(4) of the Act of 1994 is amended by substituting the following definition for the definition of “bottle or container”:
“ ‘bottle or container’ means a bottle or container irrespective of whether—
(*a*) the bottle or container is opened or unopened, and
(*b*) any or all of the contents of the bottle or container have been or are being consumed,
and includes the contents of the bottle or container, but does not include a bottle or container for a substance which is in the possession of the person concerned for a purpose other than the intoxication of that or any other person;”.
##### 19. Insertion of new sections 8A and 8B into Act of 1994.
**19**.— The Act of 1994 is amended by inserting the following sections after section 8:
“Power to direct persons who are in possession of intoxicating substances, etc.
8A.— (1) This section applies where a member of the Garda Síochána believes with reasonable cause that—
(*a*) a person is in a relevant place alone or accompanied by other persons,
(*b*) a bottle or container which contains an intoxicating substance is in the possession of the relevant person, and
(*c*) the relevant person is acting in that place, or the relevant person and some or all of the accompanying persons are acting in that place, in a manner that—
(i) gives rise to a reasonable apprehension for the safety of persons or the safety of property or for the maintenance of the public peace, or
(ii) is causing, or gives rise to a reasonable apprehension is likely to cause, annoyance and nuisance to another person or persons or interference with that other person’s or persons’ peaceful possession and enjoyment by that other person or persons of his or her, or their, as the case may be, property.
(2) Where this section applies, the member may—
(*a*) seek an explanation from the relevant person as to all or any of the matters to which the relevant belief relates, and
(*b*) do one or more of the following, if the relevant person fails or refuses to give such an explanation or if such an explanation is given, and in either case the member remains of the relevant belief:
(i) request the relevant person to immediately give the bottle or container to the member (or to another member of the Garda Síochána accompanying the member) and at the same time as the request is made give to the relevant person a warning in ordinary language that a failure or refusal to comply with the request may lead to the seizure of the bottle or container or to his or her arrest or to both (or words to the like effect);
(ii) if the relevant person fails or refuses to comply with the request, seize, detain and remove, without warrant, the bottle or container with the use, if necessary, of such force as is reasonable in the circumstances;
(iii) direct the relevant person and, if appropriate, some or all of the accompanying persons, to desist from acting in the manner referred to in paragraph (*c*) of subsection (1);
(iv) direct the relevant person and, if appropriate, some or all of the accompanying persons, to leave immediately the place in a peaceable or orderly manner;
(v) request the relevant person to provide the member with his or her name and address.
(3) Where—
(*a*) a person fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2),
(*b*) a person fails or refuses to comply with a direction given by the member under subparagraph (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*c*) the member has reasonable grounds for believing that the name or address provided to the member, in compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), is false or misleading,
the member may arrest such person without warrant.
(4) A person who—
(*a*) fails or refuses to comply with a request made by the member under subparagraph (i) or (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), or
(*b*) in purported compliance with a request made by the member under subparagraph (v) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2), provides to the member a name or address which is false or misleading,
shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €500.
(5) It shall be an offence for any person, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, to fail to comply with a direction given by the member under subparagraph (iii) or (iv) of paragraph (*b*) of subsection (2).
(6) A person who is guilty of an offence under subsection (5) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €1,000.
(7) Where the member or another member of the Garda Síochána has been given, or has seized, detained and removed, a bottle or container pursuant to this section, the member shall—
(*a*) dispose of the bottle or container in such manner as he or she considers appropriate, and
(*b*) make and retain, or cause to be made and retained, a record in writing of the manner, date and place of such disposal.
(8) Nothing in this section shall prejudice the operation of the other provisions of this Act or of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 2003.
(9) In this section—
‘ bottle or container ’ means a bottle or container irrespective of whether—
(*a*) the bottle or container is opened or unopened, and
(*b*) any or all of the contents of the bottle or container have been or are being consumed,
and includes the contents of the bottle or container;
‘ relevant belief ’, in relation to a member of the Garda Síochána, means the belief referred to in subsection (1) of the member;
‘ relevant person ’ means the person first-mentioned in paragraph (*a*) of subsection (1);
‘ relevant place ’ means a place other than a place used as a private dwelling.
Power of entry for purposes of section 8A, etc.
8B.— A member of the Garda Síochána may enter without warrant a place other than a place used as a private dwelling if the member has reasonable grounds for believing that—
(*a*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 8A, or
(*b*) the matters specified in paragraphs (*a*), (*b*) and (*c*) of subsection (1) of section 37A (inserted by *section 14* of the *Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008*),
are occurring in such place.”.
##### 20. Amendment of section 23A of Act of 1994.
**20**.— Section 23A (inserted by section 184 of the Act of 2006) of the Act of 1994 is amended—
(*a*) in subsection (5)(*c*)—
(i) in subparagraph (i), by deleting “to a member of the Garda Síochána at a specified Garda Síochána station or to another specified person at a specified place” and substituting “in accordance with the notice”, and
(ii) in subparagraph (ii), by deleting “so pays” and substituting “pays in accordance with the notice”,
(*b*) in subsection (7), by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (*b*):
“(*b*) the payment shall be received in accordance with the notice and the person receiving the payment shall issue a receipt for it,”,
and
(*c*) in subsection (8), by substituting the following paragraph for paragraph (*a*):
“(*a*) In a prosecution for a fixed charge offence it shall be presumed until the contrary is shown that—
@@ -556,7 +456,7 @@
(ii) a payment pursuant to the relevant notice under this section accompanied by the notice, duly completed (unless the notice provides for payment without the notice accompanying the payment), has not been made.”.
##### 21. Amendment of section 23B of Act of 1994.
##### 21. **Amendment of section 23B of Act of 1994.**
**21**.— Section 23B (inserted by section 184 of the Act of 2006) of the Act of 1994 is amended, in subsection (2), by deleting “after serving on the person personally a notice in the prescribed form stating the matters specified in section 23A(5) or cause it to be so served.” and substituting the following:
@@ -566,37 +466,7 @@
(ii) informing him or her that such notice will be served on him or her by post.”.
##### 22. Increase of certain fines in Act of 1994.
##### 22. **Increase of certain fines in Act of 1994.**
**22**.— Each provision of the Act of 1994 mentioned in *column (1)* of *Schedule 2* is amended as specified in *column (2)* of that Schedule opposite the mention of that provision.
## SCHEDULE 1 Increase of Certain Fines in Licensing Acts 1833 to 2004
| Enactment (1) | Provision (2) | Amendment (3) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 | Section 31 (sale of intoxicating liquor to under-age person) (as amended by section 25 of the Act of 2000) | In subsection (3), by substituting “€3,000” for “£1,000” and “€5,000” for “£1,500” |
| Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 | Section 32 (provision of intoxicating liquor for persons under the age of 18 years) (inserted by section 13 of the Act of 2003) | In subsection (4), by substituting “€3,000” for “€1,500” and “€5,000” for “€2,000” |
| Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 | Section 4 (drunken persons) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€3,000” for “€1,500” and “€5,000” for “€2,000” |
| Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 | Section 5 (supply of intoxicating liquor to drunken persons by non-licensees) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€3,000” for “€1,500” and “€5,000” for “€2,000” |
| Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 | Section 7 (duty of licensee to preserve order) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€3,000” for “€1,500” and “€5,000” for “€2,000” |
## SCHEDULE 2 Increase of Certain Fines in Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994
| Provision (1) | Amendment (2) |
| --- | --- |
| Section 4 (intoxication in public place) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€500” for “£100” |
| Section 5 (disorderly conduct in public place) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 6 (threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in public place) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 7 (distribution or display in public place of material which is threatening, abusive, insulting or obscene) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 8 (failure to comply with direction of member of Garda Síochána) | In subsection (3), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 9 (wilful obstruction) | By substituting “€400” for “£200” |
| Section 11 (entering building with intent to commit offence) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€2,500” for “£1,000” |
| Section 13 (trespass on building, etc.) | In subsection (3), by substituting “€2,500” for “£1,000” and “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 16 (affray) | In subsection (4)(*a*), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 17 (blackmail, extortion and demanding money with menaces) | In subsection (3)(*a*), by substituting “€2,500” for “£1,000” |
| Section 18 (assault with intent to cause bodily harm or commit indictable offence) | In subsection (2)(*a*), by substituting “€2,500” for “£1,000” |
| Section 19G (penalties and proceedings) (inserted by section 24 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2002) | In subsection (1), by substituting “€4,000” for “€3,000” |
| Section 21 (control of access to certain events, etc.) | In subsection (5), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 22 (surrender and seizure of intoxicating liquor, etc.) | In subsection (4), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
| Section 23 (prohibition of advertising of brothels and prostitution) | In subsection (2), by substituting “€2,500” for “£1,000” and “€25,000” for “£10,000” |
| Section 24 (arrest without warrant) | In subsection (4), by substituting “€1,000” for “£500” |
2008-07-21
Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008
original version
Text at this date