New law looks to curb the impact of binge drinking and the abuse of alcohol.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 comes into effect on Monday 18 August.
This new law is an attempt by the government to curb Ireland's growing problem of binge drinking and alcohol related anti-social behaviour.
Under the new laws due to come into effect on 18 August, happy hours will be outlawed. There will be more severe penalties for alcohol related offences. Pubs will be able to set their own age limit for serving customers, once it is over 18. In addition, plainclothes Gardaí will now be allowed to enter pubs to ensure that the law is being enforced.
On 29 September, further provisions under the new act will come into force. There will be a return to closing time at 11.30 pm on Thursdays. There will also be a ban on under-18s in pubs after 9.00 pm, and the introduction of mandatory age ID for adults under the age of 21.
Some sectors say that these new restrictions could prove to be bad for business. John Power, Chief Executive of the Irish Hotels Federation, has two main concerns around the age limits specifically and says that some aspects of the law are unenforceable.
Some opposition parties and youth groups say that the new law will do little to reduce excessive alcohol consumption. Laura O'Mahony of the National Youth Council says that alcohol consumption is a societal problem. While welcoming the legislation, she says that it is not going to solve the problem.
It is a cultural thing.
The government says it will be monitoring the impact of the new legislation and keeping it under review.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 17 August 2003. The reporter is John O Driscoll.
