Vol. 549 No. 2
129 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the success and progress of the age card scheme in assisting to address underage consumption of alcohol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6137/02]
The Intoxicating Liquor Act, 2000, which I initiated and which came into effect on 6 July 2000, represents a considerable strengthening of the law in relation to underage drinking. It increased fines for breaches of the law on underage drinking, abolished the defence of "reasonable belief" in any proceedings against the licensee and made provision for a new penalty – a temporary closure order – for conviction of the sale of alcohol to underage persons. The temporary closure provision is intended to be a strong deterrent to abuses of the law in this area.
The removal of the "reasonable grounds" defence requires the licensee to ensure that intoxicating liquor is supplied only to those who are legally entitled to purchase or consume it on licensed premises. This places a much greater onus on the licensee to demand proof of age.
The national voluntary age card scheme, which I introduced by way of regulations 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 can assist both consumers and licensees. In any proceedings against a licensee for the sale of alcohol to an under-age person, it is a defence to prove that an age card was looked for and was produced. Where a conviction for the sale of alcohol to such a person is upheld, a licensed premises will be the subject of a mandatory temporary closure order.
Age cards are issued by the Garda community relations section in Harcourt Square, Dublin 2. The application procedure is relatively straightforward and I am happy to say that, to date, a total of 52,000 applications have been processed – of which approximately 30,000 were processed last year.
I officially launched the age card scheme awareness campaign in Dublin Castle on 6 September 2000 in conjunction with the Garda authorities. All relevant bodies in the drinks industry were invited to the launch and attended it. I believe that the launch greatly contributed to public awareness of the scheme and also resulted in a considerable increase in applications. I must also acknowledge the support of the licensed trade in this regard.
The resultant poster campaign initiated by the Garda Síochána continuously targets vintners, off-licences, night-clubs, youth information centres, youth groups, etc. In addition, Garda juvenile liaison officers and community gardaí visit post-primary schools, youth clubs and special projects, etc., highlighting the age card scheme. Application forms for age cards are available at a variety of locations in order to ensure ease of access.
The age card was also advertised in a month-long campaign on supermarket till receipts in all main chain-stores. Representatives of the Garda have also given interviews on the subject.
