The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell, has said he does not think new pub laws which came into force tonight are in any way extreme.
Mr McDowell has said the measure to exclude under-18s from the bar areas of pubs after 9.00pm is reasonable, as they may remain in restaurant areas.
He said the alternative is to have doormen checking incoming customers for age cards, while young teenagers are drinking inside.
He also said he believed publicans are being more careful following legislation preventing drunkenness on pub premises or serving drunken people.
Under the laws, people under the age of 18 will be banned from licensed premises after 9.00pm, and pubs will close at 11.30pm on Thursday nights, an hour earlier than usual.
The new Government rules will mean that under-18s will be allowed to enter a licensed premises after 9.00pm only if they are attending a private function where a substantial meal is being served.
It will also be compulsory for those aged between 18 and 20 years of age to produce photographic identification to enter a licensed premises after 9.00pm, or face a fine of up to €300.
The new measures are being introduced under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 in an effort to curtail excessive drinking.
