So I emailed two TDs about 10PM off-licensing rule

Dear Sirs and Madams,

I am writing you regarding the legislation in Ireland which prohibits off-sales after 10 PM.

Personally, I find it abhorrent in a free-market economy that as a grown adult I cannot purchase alcohol in a shop after 10 PM, even if it is open 24 hours a day. As a worker who has erratic working schedules with finishing times often well after 10 PM, I often find myself unable to purchase a bottle of wine for myself and my partner after work, should the mood take me.

This legislation was introduced a number of years ago to "curb underage drinking", when in reality it was just to get more customers in the pub in my belief, as restricting off-sales will do nothing to prevent underage drinking.

I have lived abroad for a significant amount of time in a European country not too far from here where there was no restriction on the off-sales of alcohol or the opening hours of licensed premises. I can assure you that chaos did not ensue.

I am aware that my request for you to raise this in the Dáil may seem frivolous, but this is an issue which I feel should be addressed.

Mise le meas, dfeo

REPLY FROM RIGHT-WING TD

Dear dfeo,

Thank you for taking the time to email me.

Licensing laws in the Republic are a direct response to alcohol consumption levels which are higher than the European averages. While it may be inconvenient, it is an effective tool from a public health perspective.

I do not believe that these laws were changed to kerb underage drinking, given the high compliance with age verification processes in retailers and the fines associated with none compliance.

Regrettably, we have a difficult relationship with alcohol in this country and in broad terms, policy from the Department of Health is under constant review.

REPLY FROM LEFT-WING TD

Hi dfeo,

Thanks for your email, I think it is a throw back to the days when we allowed the Catholic Church to guide our legislators and it certainly seems a bit backward. Not sure exactly which minister has the responsibility here, it could be Finance maybe you should send them a letter as well and ask if there are any plans to change it.. Although I doubt they have any desire to do anything, they are a very weak government now and won't be rocking the boat where they don't have to. You would have more luck going on to a radio show to get people to talk about it because without public pressure this lot wont do a thing.

All the best

MY RESPONSE BACK TO THE RIGHT-WING TD

Thank you for your reply and apologies for the delay in getting back to you again. If you believe that alcohol should be restricted after 10 PM due to our "excess alcohol consumption" then why is it OK to enter a pub after this time?

Could you please elaborate on how you believe that off-license restrictions will curtail alcohol consumption? I am also communicating with another TD in the area who strongly agrees with my viewpoint.

Kind Regards,
dfeo