Ireland proposes betting-premises rules on hours and alcohol sales
Ireland notified the European Commission on 16 January 2026 of draft rules governing opening hours and premises use for in-person gambling. The proposal would maintain the prohibition on alcohol sales at licensed betting premises and allow the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland to set operating hours and restrict products or services considered likely to encourage gambling; the standstill period ends on 20 April 2026.
The draft would shape betting-shop operations and give the regulator powers over opening times and gambling-related sales.