More than 65 health, social and community organisations, academics and advocates, have come together to voice strong opposition to proposed measures in the Sale of Alcohol bill that will dramatically increase the number of venues serving alcohol, as well as significantly extending the opening hours of pubs, bars and nightclubs.

The open letter, proposed and written by Colleagues at Alcohol Action Ireland, to the three government party leaders – An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, and Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport, Eamon Ryan – is an urgent call for this government to fully assess the implications of increased alcohol availability.

CEO of Alcohol Action Ireland Dr Sheila Gilheany said: “This letter shows the deep disquiet in the health and social community and makes a shared call for an immediate health impact assessment (HIA) of this legislation to be carried out. We have been calling for this from the very start of this legislative process and the question must be asked – why doesn’t this government want to carry out a HIA?

“We, and all of the organisations listed, from health to community groups, to academics and individuals, are simply asking the government to know what the health, social and financial costs of these proposals will be before they jump into it. This is not too much to ask.

To date, the Minister for Justice, when asked about plans for a HIA has hidden behind references to consultations which have already been carried out. Such consultations provide useful views, but they do not replace the need for specific data on the numbers and funding levels of Gardaí, medical, social and transport services which will be required to deal with the fallout from this legislation.

While it appears that government is not troubled about these issues, polling on this bill highlights that the public are certainly worried with 67% of people concerned about the potential impact on public services (such as Emergency Departments, ambulances, Gardaí, and transport) due to the proposed extension of opening hours for pubs, late bars, and clubs.

FASD Ireland Chief operating Officer, Scott Casson-Rennie, provided advice and guidance to Alcohol Action Ireland relating to the impact of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder which was highlighted in the open letter, with Ireland estimated to have a prevalence rate of 2.8% - 7.4% of the population, the third highest prevalence rate in the world.

You can view the open letter here or for further information you can visit Alcohol Action Ireland website