The new Minister for Justice, Mr McDowell, has lost no time in warning the licensed trade that he will take any measures he considers necessary to reduce alcohol-related damage to Irish society. In a speech at the launch of the Second Interim Report of the Commission on Liquor Licensing, he indicated that he is prepared to take such measures even if they are unpopular with existing licence-holders.
For years, the licensed trade has opposed any relaxation of the liquor-licensing system that would allow a significant increase in the number of pubs in urban areas, thereby maintaining the size and number of "super-pubs" - and the profits for their owners. Mr McDowell has identified the growth in "super-pubs" as a major contributing factor to under-age drinking, public disorder and, possibly, binge-drinking. These, in turn, contribute to alcohol-related car accidents and assaults both inside and outside the home, with ensuing grave economic and social costs. The Minister has made clear his intention to change the licensing laws to limit the development of these drinking emporiums and return to the days of the small, local, community-based pub.
... ... * ... * ... * ... ...
For their part, the owners of the larger pubs argue that they are simply taking heed of a developing trend among the drinking public - particularly those aged between 20 and 40 years of age. They say that these drinkers want a premises where they can meet and socialise with others of a similar age, particularly young people of the opposite sex. The publicans say, in effect, that they are giving their customers what they want. And they hotly dispute any suggestion that they encourage or tolerate under-age drinking or other forms of anti-social behaviour.
However, there is an argument that smaller pubs, attracting clients across the generations, where the staff know their customers, are more likely to be aware of excessive alcohol consumption than larger, more anonymous establishments. If that, in turn, leads to more mature drinking behaviour, it will be widely welcomed.
There is no doubt that Mr McDowell will meet opposition from the publican lobby if he proceeds with his plans, not least on the grounds that substantial funds have been expended on refurbishing the "super-pubs". Alcohol abuse is a serious and growing problem in Irish society, inflicting misery on thousands of people and costing the Exchequer millions of pounds annually in health spending. Anything that can help to ameliorate this scourge deserves to be given a fair hearing.