Ministers have voted to close a loophole that made drinking outside bars and restaurants potentially illegal.
The Government had told the nation to prepare for an ‘outdoor summer’ and had given investment for businesses to provide street furniture to enable this.
But a spanner was thrown in the works when An Garda Síochána pointed out that licensing laws do not allow for drinking off a premises - even if it’s outside the business.
The issue then was a local one as to whether it was illegal or not to drink in public.
Some local authorities, like Galway, have bye-laws that prohibit drinking in public places, while other councils, like Dublin, have no such laws.
Either way, Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys, has introduced legislation to close this loophole and it was passed by her Cabinet colleagues.
It will come before the Dáil on Wednesday and is expected to have passed all stages and become law within a week.
A spokesman for the Minister said: “Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys this evening received Cabinet approval for a Bill which will bring clarity to the consumption of alcohol in designated seated areas outside pubs and restaurants.
“The overwhelming majority of pubs and restaurants are operating successfully and the Government is determined to support the industry throughout this challenging period.
“Minister Humphreys, following consultation with the Attorney General, felt that a short piece of time-bound primary legislation would provide absolute clarity to businesses, local authorities and An Garda Síochána."
