The government is being warned that the proposed Sale of Alcohol Bill could come at enormous cost to Irish society.
An analysis of the bill published today points out that the extension of trading hours, along with the removal of limits on the number of licenses, will cause increases in alcohol-related disease and violence.
The report also makes reference to cities in the UK, EU and Australia that have experienced epidemics of public intoxication following policy changes that were intended to attract people to social and cultural events.
Author of the report, Professor Emeritus Tom Babor said the bill would have far-reaching consequences.
"There are things that would make the late night economy much more difficult to tolerate.
"We're talking about cheap alcohol, price competition and promotions, we're talking about crowds on the street and public intoxication."
