Tuesday, 4th April 2000

LICENSING LAWS WILL BENEFIT TOURISM SAYS HOTELS FEDERATION

The new Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2000 has been greeted positively by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) who represent over 900 hotels and guesthouses throughout the country. In particular, the Chief Executive, John Power welcomed the new licensing hours, the fact that summer and winter trading hours are now uniform, and also the abolition of the holy hour on Sunday. He also acknowledged the measures which remove the restrictions on special exemptions being granted past midnight on Saturday night, and expressed satisfaction with the new situation, which will mean premises operating late night entertainment, can seek extensions up to 2.30am.

“Late night entertainment is a core area of activity for a number of hotels, with many relying on that business in off-season tourism periods. They are also a popular source of entertainment for tourists and local people and their survival is essential to preserve the rural social infrastructure,” Mr Power said.

“We will welcome the opportunity to examine the Bill in further detail and will convey the IHF’s comments and observations to the Minister,” he concluded.