Dublin: The Cabinet approved legislation that would allow pubs to open seven days a week, 10.30 am to 12.30 am, and nightclubs would open until 6am and served alcohol until 5am. Changes will take effect next year if Dáil and Seanad are approved.
The adult annual study, Drinkware Barometer ’ Alcoholism, found that one in four alcoholics was overly drunk and more than half of adults were drunk weekly. A survey of Behavior & Attitudes this year found that 27% of Irish adults were usually drunk.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said public health concerns were raised with his colleagues before deciding to waive the country's alcohol licensing laws. Reports show that the health department's concerns about the health status of expanding the time when alcohol can be sold have been removed from the government memo.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Colm Henry says there is a link between the time when alcohol is available and the medical problems associated with chronic alcohol. He said some doctors were concerned about the impact of alcohol on society, causing acute and chronic diseases of alcohol. The public health strategy needs to identify alcohol-related morbidity, ” he said.
“ My view and the government's view is that we have the right balance. All I can say is that I have avoided talking about what was discussed in the cabinet and that I have had significant concerns for the public health team within the health department. Donnelly said when asked about health concerns about easing licensing rules.
