YFG Reaffirms Its Support for the Licensing Law Legislation
Young Fine Gael (YFG) have reaffirmed their commitment to the government’s proposed licensing law legislation, having campaigned for many years for the extension of opening hours of licensed premises.
YFG President Eoghan Gallagher stated:
“Despite the criticism that this would have a negative impact on law and order, the opposite is the case. At the moment we have a situation where everybody spills out of pubs and nightclubs and congregate in one location. This is inevitably leads to anti-social behaviour, and often violence.
A steadier trickle of people choosing when to go home would ease the burden on An Garda Siochana. The same is true for the pressure for taxis, and would alleviate the burst of demand.”
The local election candidate for Athenry-Oranmore continued:
“Longer opening hours will also minimise the likes of after parties, and ensure that socialising takes place in regulated environments. This is about placing a level of trust in our licensed premises, who consistently operate very responsibly.
The Claregalway man concluded:
“To those who say allowing people to pour a pint after 11:30pm is part of the woke agenda, I put to them: how is pandering to the nanny-staters part of the woke agenda?
It is time enough the government passed this legislation, to treat the Irish people like adults who can make their own decisions, and to bring our licensing laws in line with most other European countries.”
Rachel Kerley, local election candidate for Ardee and YFG National Executive member said:
“Coming from a family who run a pub, these proposed laws allow for flexibility for rural pubs. In many cases coming to the pub to enjoy a responsible drink is the only social outlet for many patrons, and these pubs are integral parts of rural towns and villages the length and bredth of the country. With the recent rise in zero alcohol drinks, we have to strike a balance here in placing a level of trust in people. Many pubs across the country are struggling to survive in the current climate, and offering them a degree of flexibility is a positive thing.