Ministers announced the enactment of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021, which is expected to be signed into law by the President very shortly.The Bill passed all Stages in the Dáil on Wednesday and all Stages in the Seanad yesterday.
Speaking afterwards,Minister Humphreys said,“We have acted quickly to remove uncertainty on the legal position on the sale and consumption of alcohol in relevant outdoor seating areas. This legislation provides the clarity that has been sought and ensures that we can deliver on our commitments for an outdoor summer.”
The changes to the legislation allow for the sale and consumption of alcohol in the relevant outdoor seating areas, where those outdoor seating areas have been permitted by the relevant local authority on public land, or where they are on private land abutting the licensed premises, as provided for in the Act. They are deemed to be part of the licensed premises while this legislation remains in force.
As the Act has been introduced in response to the unique circumstances of the pandemic, it is time-bound. Its provisions will remain in place until 30 November 2021, but can be extended for up to 6 months at a time, if a resolution is passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas.