The Vintners' Federation of Ireland has called on the Government to speed up the introduction of licensing laws which would see public houses remain open until 1 a.m.
At the VFI annual conference in Bundoran yesterday, the federation president, Mr John Mansworth, called for a speedy decision to be made so the issue "which has been under discussion for a number of years now, finally gets put to bed".
The group, which represents 6,000 provincial publicans, wants drinking hours extended to 12.30 a.m. with 30 minutes drinking up time to take account of changing lifestyles and social habits.
The Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue, last month recommended the move to the Government.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said the issue was before the Government and a decision would be made shortly.