The Irish Competition Authority calls for further amendments to the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2005 in order to enhance competition between Licenced Premises

Irish National Competition Authority, Press Release, 13 June, 2005 The Irish National Competition Authority (henceforth “NCA”) took the opportunity in June, 2005 to comment on the proposed reform of the liquor licensing regime to be introduced by the Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2005 (hereinafter “the Bill”). Although in its report the NCA expressed its support for the alterations brought about by the Bill, in particular the introduction of café bar licences, it nevertheless considers that the outlined reforms are not sufficiently far-reaching insofar as they will not lead to full competition in a sector which has, to date, been deprived of the beneficial effects of vigorous competition. The licensing regulation currently in place, which dates back to 1902, constitutes a barrier to entry