Publication

Outdoor consumption of alcohol

usual pub licences allow publicans to serve alcohol and for it to be consumed on the premises, which can include areas outside the confines of the building such as gardens, yards, carparks
separately, Local Authorities under Section 254 of the Planning Acts can licence the placing of furniture, such as tables and chairs, in public areas such as footpaths, pedestrianised streets
Local Authorities may also make bye-laws under Section 199 of the Local Government Actthat permit the consumption of food and alcohol while using this street furniture
there are already many examples in cities of tables placed outside pubs/restaurants where alcohol is consumed in a roped off area. This is done in accordance with the bye-laws in that town or city
An Garda Síochána have responsibility for policing the liquor licensing laws and public order generally
it is generally the case that there is close cooperation between An Garda Síochána and Local Authorities and most licensed premises
it is expected that the expanded provisions for outdoor dining/drinking will be operated in accordance with these existing arrangements
there may be need for bye-laws to be made by some local authorities to facilitate the outdoor consumption of alcohol
in the event that the facilities are being abused or giving rise to concerns on the part of An Garda Síochána that public order issues are arising, they can take action on public order grounds (or if there are breaches of the licensing laws)

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