Dear Sir,
Leo Varadkar, the Taoiseach, has expressed uncertainty about the timely implementation of proposed changes to the late-night licensing laws, which will determine the operating hours of pubs and clubs this summer. He, however, expressed his preference for an expedited legislative process (“Doubts Over Summer Pub Licensing Law Reforms, Varadkar Indicates” – News, March 8th).
Despite this position, several individuals and community organizations across Ireland, roughly 79 in number, are in staunch opposition to the proposed changes in the Sale of Alcohol Bill. Notable figures among these include Liz O’Donnell, Chair of the Road Safety Authority, and Sheila Gilheany, CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland.
With assessments showing one in every 10 drivers admitting to drink driving, alongside toxicology reports revealing that over a third of driver fatalities in a four-year span were under the influence of alcohol, Ireland’s drink driving problem is notable. Half of these unfortunate incidents occurred between the hours of 10pm and 6am.
Varadkar seems to believe that a change in the alcohol licensing regulations will enable the Irish nightlife to match that present in “virtually all other European countries”. It should be noted though, the Irish relationship with alcohol is not a carbon copy of other European nations. Binge drinking is still a crucial aspect of Irish alcohol culture. Half of those who consume alcohol in the country do so recklessly, and over a third (37%) of young drinkers aged 15 to 24 suffer from alcohol use disorder.
There have been numerous requests for a Health Impact Assessment of the proposed legislation, but these calls have been largely ignored. This situation now demands the intervention of the chief medical officer (CMO) to prevent matters from escalating.
The CMO’s office must employ its strategic role of offering expert public health advice to the Minister for Health and other relevant ministers focused on health and wellbeing.
As the summer parliamentary recess fast approaches, decisiveness and urgency are of the essence. Sincerely,
Dr CATHERINE CONLON,
Ballintemple,
Cork.