The National Off-License Association has suggested that the Government proposal to reduce alcohol sale hours would "lead to increased waiting times and congregations."
Speaking on The Pat Kenny Show on Newstalk yesterday, An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar suggested that the Government could
introduce a ban on the sale of alcohol after a certain time in the day as part of new Covid-19 health measures. After clarifying that the
sale of takeaway pints is not illegal, Varadkar told listeners on the show that "what we could potentially do is ban the sale of all alcohol after a certain point of time in the day. It's that type of thing that we're looking at."
However, the National Off-Licence Association has dismissed the idea, with Government Affairs Director Evelyn Jones telling the
Irish Sun that "it is NOffLA’s view that restricting the trading hours of off-licence sales would lead to increased waiting times and congregations during a narrower trading window, in particular in supermarkets, petrol stations and convenience stores."
Ms. Jones added that NOffLA members would "respect any Government decision that arises from the specific recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer" but will ask for "full consideration" before any decision is made.
Under Level 5 restrictions, pubs and restaurants are allowed sell food for takeaway or delivery only. Under current Irish law, supermarkets and off-licenses are permitted to sell alcohol from 10.30am until 10pm from Monday to Saturday and from 12.30pm until 10pm on Sundays.
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