A major overhaul of outdated licensing laws could allow pubs, bars, nightclubs, and off-licences to open longer and make it easier for theatres, galleries and other cultural venues to sell alcohol.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is planning new legislation this year that would replace the State's current licensing laws as part of plans to revitalise the night-time economy once Covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

It comes as Taoiseach Micheál Martin said yesterday that he did not foresee pubs or restaurants reopening before the end of June.

Chris Luke is an emergency medicine consultant and adjunct senior lecturer in public health in UCC and he joined Kieran on Monday's edition of The Hard Shoulder to tell him why we need to be careful about extending these laws.