Licensing legislation to come into effect
Justice Minister Michael McDowell has signed an order bringing the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 into operation.
The minister said today that the majority of the legislation would come into effect on Monday and the remainder on September 29.
The Intoxicating Liquor Act introduces strong penalties for publicans who serve drunken customers or permit disorderly conduct on their premises.
It also allows non-uniformed gardaí to enter pubs to enforce the legislation.
However, the most controversial provision is an amendment which transfers jurisdiction in discrimination cases from the Equality Authority to the District Courts.
This provision was included following lobbying from publicans who claimed that Travellers were abusing equality laws because of the ease in taking cases before the Equality Authority.
The transfer of jurisdiction is one of the amendments that won't come into force until next month.
