Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill

Members, the House is in committee on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Rugby World Cup 2023 Extended Trading Hours) Amendment Bill. We come first to Part 1.

I don’t think it’s necessary to take too much of the time of the committee as members have already canvassed in the previous stages of the bill. This is a piece of legislation that has previously passed through this House. I remember well, when I was Minister of Justice, shepherding an identical piece of legislation through the House for this tournament in a different part of the world. So there is nothing that is new here and, therefore, I think members can be reassured, the public can be reassured, that the House has provided very close examination of this legislation on previous occasions.

I’d just refer to, for clarity—I agree with the Minister—in Part 1, clause 45B(2), seven days’ written notice. Are those business days or calendar days?

Madam Chair, sorry, I didn’t quite get the part of the bill that the member was referring to.

Yeah, sorry, if you go to page 3, clause 45C(2), it says: “the licensee has given the territorial authority and the Police at least 7 days’ written notice—”. The question I have is: are those business days or are those calendar days?

Thank you, Madam Chair. Before I go any further, can I just acknowledge that member’s contribution to the House. I’ve always enjoyed his contributions, not only his Irish lilt but his Irish wit, but also his astute examination of the subject matters on which he has spoken, including, obviously, this as well. So I can confirm to the member that in the primary legislation, which this legislation amends, the reference to “days” is to working days.

Madam Chair, I seek leave for the debate to be taken as one part.

Leave is sought for that course of action. Is there any objection? There is none.

Parts 1 and 2, the Schedule, and clauses 1 to 3