Increasing pub opening hours could increase road deaths, Alcohol Action Ireland has warned. 

The Government’s Sale of Alcohol Bill proposes increased trading hours for all bars and restaurants from 11.30pm to 12.30am, with nightclubs allowed to stay open until 6am.  

Alcohol Action Ireland CEO Dr Sheila Gilheany described the bill as potentially a “perfect storm”.

“You’re increasing the number of people who are on the roads who are likely to be drink driving,” she said. 

“You’re increasing the likelihood of them being involved in road accidents - particularly in rural areas. 

“Alongside that, we actually have a reduction in the number of Gardaí who are going to be available to deal with that. 

“We see that as the perfect storm that’s likely to lead to an increase in deaths.”  

A couple of pints of beer in the sunlight on a pub table.

Dr Gilheany urged Justice Minister Helen McEntee “to look again” at the bill and reconsider its provisions. 

“At the very least, there needs to be a detailed costing of what would that burden be?” she said. 

“What is the burden going to be on Gardaí? What’s the burden going to be on our Emergency Departments and ambulances?

“And most of all, what is the burden going to be on the families who would be left carrying the pieces after fatal collisions?”

In 2023, 184 people died on Ireland’s roads - an increase of 19% since 2022. 

Minister of State for Transport Jack Chambers has promised to “fast-track” legislation on the issue through the Oireachtas.

Main image: Garda car at the scene of a crash.