Flanagan addresses launch of new book on licensing laws

Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan last night addressed the launch of a new comprehensive reference book on Ireland’s licensing code.

Mr Flanagan said Constance Cassidy and Tim Bracken’s The Annual Licensing Court: 21st Century Essential Guide is “an erudite tome” and “an indispensable text for practitioners”.

The comprehensive citation of Ireland’s licensing laws from 1833-2011 attempts to clarify and explain the country’s complex legal code.

Speaking at the launch in the Jameson distillery in Dublin, Mr Flanagan said: “I want to thank Constance for her invitation to launch this erudite tome which I know will join her earlier work, Cassidy on the Licensing Acts, as an indispensable text for practitioners and indeed all those with an interest in Ireland’s complex licensing code. Without such reference books as these, our licensing code would be an almost impenetrable maze of statute, regulations, court rules and case law.

“While our current licensing laws may date back to 1833, the first licensing statute for Ireland was enacted during the reign of Charles I in 1634. It is from this original document that many of the standard conventions of our licensing laws date – such as the annual renewal of licenses, oversight of such licenses by the courts and ‘good character’ provisions for innkeepers and publicans.

“I am pleased to note that the Courts Service, which administrates licensing now, is currently actively moving towards an updated, online system for processing applications for intoxicating liquor licences and licence renewals. On full implementation of the new system, this should lead to improved customer interaction with the licensing system, and indeed, it will be possible to complete much of the process online.”