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Ministers have once again rowed out a controversial takeout ban.
The cabinet met this morning to discuss the proposal to curb the increase in alcohol consumption in public after a series of posts on social media showing revelers on the streets.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly introduced the official memo after consulting with the attorney general, the government’s legal advisor, Paul Gallagher.
He suggested ways to ban pubs that sell takeout drinks and further restrict more than two people gathering in public to drink their pints.
But it was rejected by the overall cabinet after resistance from member ministers of the three parties, Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Greens, although it was “far from unanimous” according to one source.
It was going to be legally difficult for the government to introduce a rule that would prohibit the sale of take-out drinks in pubs anyway, while, for example, allowing a restaurant to sell take-out alcohol.
Ultimately, the Cabinet has decided to abandon the proposal and stick with the application of the laws as they are.
Earlier this morning, Labor leader Alan Kelly criticized the proposed ban as “silly” and “over the top”.
He said: “It is absurd that this topic is receiving such a response in a tweet in the last 24 hours.
“In short, I think they should implement the law as it is.
“If they implemented and enforced the law as it is, I don’t think we are dealing with this problem today which has been exaggerated when it comes to the way restaurants or pubs can offer take out.”
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