Sunday, 6th March 2005

ANTI FAMILY LAWS DAMAGE TOURISM

Government Departments divided on tourism policy, say Hoteliers

Ireland is at risk of losing out in the valuable family holiday business market due to regressive restrictions on children under 18 years in hotel bars, the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) stated today. On the eve of the Federation’s 67th Annual Conference in Cork hoteliers asserted that the amendment to the legislation by Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell T.D., last October, to extend the permitted period to 10.00 pm during the summer months simply does not go far enough. The IHF stresses that it is incredulous that state departments seem not to work in any kind of uniformity on national policy – with one department promoting Ireland to family holiday makers while another creates laws to discourage family holidays. The current provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 are anti family and are damaging Ireland’s attractiveness as a destination. It must be amended to allow children in the company of a parent or guardian, to participate in food and entertainment in the bar area to at least 10.30pm all year round, the Federation believes.

The consumer trends in the hospitality industry are clearly showing a substantial increase and growing demand from families to eat out together in informal locations such as bars. This trend also indicates that this isn’t just in the summer months but an all year round practice. According to John Power, Chief Executive of the IHF, it is ridiculous that families staying in a hotel cannot have the choice to have a meal in the bar area after 9pm where they might also enjoy musical entertainment.

“The industry must respond to consumer demand or we simply lose out. At the moment we have to ask families to leave the bar area after 9pm – it is unsociable and silly, given that these children are under parental supervision. Families go away to spend time together. This law runs entirely contrary to that,” says John Power.

The Federation is also calling on the Government to immediately rectify the lack of unified strategy between Government departments on policies affecting the tourism sector, Ireland’s largest indigenous industry.

“On the one hand the Government is spending millions every year, via the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, to promote Ireland at home and abroad. The Tourism Policy Review Group, for example, was specifically established by Minister John O’Donoghue T.D. to assist develop an environment where tourism can grow and flourish – it actually recommended more departmental integration on decisions that could impact on tourism. However, on the other hand, legislation passed by another Government Department is thwarting our industry’s ability to grow and compete on a level playing field with other destinations,” Mr Power continued.

It is estimated that over two million family holidaymakers come to Ireland each year and are impacted by this legislation. The IHF previously called for a ‘Children’s Certificate system to be implemented, whereby local Gardai would grant hotels permission to have children under 18 years present with their parents in the bar area at night while food is being served or suitable family entertainment is underway. It also believes that a mandatory ID card system would be a more practical and manageable way to ensure that illegal drinking does not take place.

“The Federation in no way supports or encourages under-age drinking, but the Government must accept that there are alternative ways to tackle this problem. This legislation is draconian and runs contrary to what our customers want. Our member hotels on the ground are telling us that more and more visitors want to avail of reasonably priced bar menus in the evenings with their family, while enjoying music and entertainment with other families. Visitors are telling us exactly what they want, yet the Government is intent on imposing legislation that prevents families from enjoying their holiday experience to the full. If we want families to continue to holiday in Ireland the Government must find some common ground with industry on this issue,” Mr Power concluded.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Siobhan Molloy / Niamh Boylan Tel: 01 6760168 (Dublin office)
Weber Shandwick FCC Mobiles: 086 8175066 / 086 3809191