New off-licences required to get planning permission
The Government has reportedly introduced regulations requiring all new off-licences to get planning permission from the local authorities.
Reports this morning said the move was introduced by Environment Minister Dick Roche in response to concerns about an increase in off-licence sales in the last year.
Changing drinking habits and the smoking ban have boosted business for off-licences, but this morning's reports said many communities were concerned that this growth had fuelled increased drinking among young people.
Mr Roche's regulations will now allow local authorities to decide how many off-licences can operate in their area.
The regulations, however, will not affect shops that sell wine as a subsidiary to their main business, something that has been criticised by Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd, who claimed the measure would be abused.
