O’Keeffe seeks law change allowing alcohol to be sold at temporary venues

AN amendment introduced in the Dáil this week to the Intoxicating Liquor Act that will allow the sale of alcohol in temporary premises will ease many of the problems faced by communities and festivals in securing alcohol licences for events.

That’s according to Cork East TD Deputy Kevin O’Keeffe who said his amendment, should be “warmly welcomed” by community bodies, festival organisers and fundraising groups across the country.

He explained that under section 11 of the Act a District Court, under certain conditions, can grant an occasional licence to the holder of an ‘on-licence’ for a special event at a location which does not have a licence to sell liquor.

However, Deputy O’Keeffe said that under the current legislation, unless an event is being held in a permanent structure, there can be no alcohol sold at it.

“As it stands, this prohibition leads to considerable difficulties for community groups and festivals that are not necessary as marquees, tents and other demountable structures were not allowed to facilitate their activities,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.

“Many of the organisations hit by this law rely on a small number of big events to fund their activities for the years ahead. Local communities are also being unfairly tasked with raising money for more complex solutions and venues than would otherwise be needed,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.

He said the amendment, if sanctioned, would ease the practical and financial burdens that can often be placed on groups holding events due to the current restrictions within the act.

“Under the current law, to gain a licence exemption to sell alcohol at a gig or dance, one is obliged to provide a permanent structure from which alcohol can be sold,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.

“I have proposed that we amend the law to allow alcohol to be sold in temporary structures. It is now advancing to second stage and I have called on all colleagues in the Dáil to support the proposal. I would hope this amendment would be in place before next summer’s festival schedule commences,” said Deputy O’Keeffe.