Government to take strict legal action against street drinking

DUBLIN: It has been reported that Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is considering banning the sale of takeaway liquor from pubs and restaurants. But it is learned that there is a difference of opinion in the cabinet regarding this.

Confusion is whether there is a ban on takeaways or street drinking. The health minister is of the view that take-away services of bars, pubs and restaurants should be stopped altogether.

But there are some colleagues who disagree with it. They say the problem is drinking on the street, not buying. They also ask what is wrong with buying it from the bar and drinking it at home or in a private place. If they get the upper hand in this, strict legal action will be taken against those who drink on the streets.

They suggested that the current public drinking laws should be more strictly enforced and that there should be no special legislation.

Fianna Fáil TD Barry Cowen said there should be no new restrictions other than better enforcement of existing laws.

Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae said that a handful of people are getting drunk on the streets and that the take-away service should not be stopped in such a way as to punish ‘decent’ alcoholics.

In any case, restrictions on the sale of liquor will be considered in today’s cabinet meeting, top government sources said.

Dublin City Council has imposed a fine of €75 on public drinking. There is also support for the view that higher fines should be imposed and that cases should be registered for unlawful gathering.