Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys is expected to have proposals for Cabinet in the coming days.
Legislation to clarify the laws on outdoor drinking and allow pubs to serve in newly set up outdoor dining areas could be brought before the Dáil as early next week.
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys is expected to have proposals for Cabinet in the coming days as the Government wants the issue to be addressed as soon as possible.
It follows ongoing discussions between Humphreys and the Attorney General on the issue.
According to Virgin Media news, primary legislation will be needed to ensure that pubs and restaurants can serve alcohol outdoors.
It is likely the legislation would quickly be progressed through the Dáil and Seanad in the coming weeks as licensing laws cannot be dealt with through regulations.
The Department of Housing, which has responsibility for local authorities, is also likely to be involved in the drafting of the legislation.
The Taoiseach also confirmed that the Minister for Justice will be “introducing a measure” to deal with the legal confusion around licensing issues around outdoor areas for pubs and restaurants in the Dáil on Tuesday.
However, Martin added that outdoor dining has “worked relatively well” but that if there issues it will be “resolved through a legal instrument”.
He said there was “no question” that outdoor dining had worked and been effective, saying that the Government will continue to work to make sure it’s “viable” in the coming months.
“We can overplay this as well, but that being said, any issues that need to be resolved will be resolved through legal instrument,” Martin continued.
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