Changes to remove the limit on the number of alcohol licences have been met with concerns from publicans
The VFI says it may threaten small, local and family-run businesses if larger chains would be allowed to enter into communities.
Laws are changing to try to reinvigorate rural areas.
Paul Clancy is chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland - he believes this change won't help:
"We know that we've lost over 20% of the pubs over the last 17 years.
"So we know that the, you know, we don't need more pubs.
"What we need to do is make the existing pubs more sustainable, and certainly this bill won't help that situation at all.
"We believe by actually putting another pub into a place where it already, it is already difficult to survive."
It's part of a wide range of changes to nightlife laws, which include nightclubs being allowed to remain open until 6 am.
Venues seeking such a licence will still have to apply to the courts - with objections allowed from fire authorities, Local Councils, the HSE, An Garda Síochána and local communities.
To get a nightclub licence venues will need CCTV and for staff to be registered with the Private Security Authority.
Opening hours for late bars will remain at 2.30 am with a new licence needed
The Department of Justice reckons many venues will continue to use that option, with only larger clubs seeking the 6 am option.
The proposals will need to pass the Oireachtas this year before they become law.
