DK. KENNYI beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he has yet arrived at any conclusion in reference to the question of directing the Police Authorities in Dublin not to oppose the granting to licensed houses, limited in number, well selected as to locality, &c., and with proper restrictions and precautions, permission to supply supper and other refreshments after closing hours, on which subject a question was recently addressed to him which he promised to consider?
MR. J. MORLEYI have caused inquiry to be made into the matter, and am informed that there is no licensed restaurant accommodation in Dublin after 11 o'clock at night. On the other hand, however, there is no provision in the Licensing Acts authorising the granting of such facilities, and the police, therefore, would have no power to act in the manner suggested. There is power under the 11th section of the Licensing Act, 1874, to grant exemption orders for the accommodation of persons attending the markets or employed loading or unloading ships. The number of such exempted licensed houses is 33, but all are in the vicinity of the markets and along the quays, and none are privileged to open earlier than 4 a.m., and all must close at 11 p.m.
DR. KENNYIs it not the case that in London, in the neighbourhood of the theatres and the great newspaper offices, facilities are granted for getting supper up to 1 a.m.; has not the Recorder of Dublin expressed the opinion that similar facilities ought also to be granted in Dublin; and is it not merely owing to the opposition of the police that the facilities are not afforded to the residents of Dublin?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELL (Tyrone, S.)Has anybody—the Recorder or anyone 140 else—the power to grant licences outside the statutory conditions?
MR. J. MORLEYThe hon. Member for South Tyrone has indicated the real answer to the question. It is not a question of what the police do, or do not, wish. There is no power to grant licences outside the statutory authority.
§ MR. HARRINGTON (Dublin, Harbour)Is the Chief Secretary aware that a theatre itself possesses a licence later than the hour named by the right hon. Gentleman?
§ MR. T. W. RUSSELLThat is by special enactment.