Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 23 May 2001

Vol. 536 No. 6

Written Answers. - ID Card Policy.

Enda Kenny

Question:

82 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his policy regarding the admissibility of patrons to commercial licensed premises in a situation where a District Justice has imposed a court order that block identification cards be held by those wishing to enter such premises and where such an identification card system is not mandatory, as a consequence of which some premises have been closed down temporarily; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15026/01]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

I am unaware of any court order which requires all patrons entering a particular premises to carry identity cards. The position is that the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, which I initiated and which came into effect on 6 July last, provides for a considerable strengthening of the law on underage drinking.

In order to strengthen the provisions which already existed in relation to the supply or sale of intoxicating liquor to under-age persons, I increased the fines for breaches of the law on underage drinking, abolished the defence of "reasonable belief" in any proceedings against the licensee, and provided for a new penalty – a temporary closure order – for conviction of the sale of alcohol to underage persons.

The removal of the "reasonable grounds" defence places a greater onus on the licensee to ensure that intoxicating liquor is supplied only to those who are legally entitled to purchase or consume it on licensed premises. No defence is permitted where a person wilfully supplies liquor to an under-age person. Where a conviction for the sale of alcohol to an under-age person is upheld, a licensed premises will be the subject of a mandatory temporary closure order. The purpose of the temporary closure provision is to provide a strong deterrent to abuses of the law in this area.

The national voluntary age card scheme, which I initiated by way of regulation in April 1999, is designed to assist licensees in complying with the law. The scheme is intended for persons who have already attained 18 years of age and who are, therefore, legally entitled to purchase or consume alcohol on a licensed premises and who wish to do so. Its purpose is to provide evidence of age where a doubt exists. In this way, the scheme is designed to assist both consumers and licensees. I believe that this scheme, coupled with the substantial changes provided for in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, is proving an effective deterrent against under-age drinking. I have no plans at present to amend the law to provide for a mandatory scheme.