Local authorities should have the power to compel pubs and off-licences to close temporarily in certain circumstances, according to the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Michael Conaghan.
Cllr Conaghan has called a special meeting of Dublin City Council for Monday to formulate a policy proposal to present to Minister for Justice Michael McDowell before he finalises the content of the new Intoxicating Liquor Act.
After the council's failure to force the closure of off-licences on St Patrick's Day this year, the power to compel such closures will probably be a key element of the authority's proposal.
It is also likely that the council will seek the power to grant or refuse individual special exemptions to liquor licences and bar extensions. Cllr Conaghan is also looking for additional powers regarding early or temporary closures of pubs and the issuing of ID cards, as well as stiffer penalties for drink licence violations.
"He [ the Minister] may not want to give us all these powers, and we will have to be very robust about it," he said.