Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

The Minister for Justice is to bring forward urgent measures to keep young people out of pubs, reduce opening hours and curb drunkenness and disorder in public houses, write Carol Coulter and Mark Brennock

Mr McDowell will also propose major legislation within a year to curb "super-pub" development and introduce the concept of continental, café-style bars to "provide an atmosphere and ambience that encourages moderate social consumption of alcohol rather than the excessive consumption and binge drinking that have become so common in recent years".