Section 31 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (as amended) created a number of offences in respect of delivering alcohol to a person under the age of 18 years. Under section 31(2) it is an offence for a license holder to sell or deliver, or permit any other person to sell or deliver, intoxicating liquor for consumption by a person under the age of 18 years in any place except with the explicit consent of the person's parent or guardian in a private residence in which he or she is present either as of right or with permission.
Any complaints relating to the sale or delivery of alcohol to persons under 18 years received by An Garda Síochána are the subject of investigation and offenders dealt with in accordance with the law. I am considering the need for any additional statutory provisions to prohibit third parties from purchasing and then delivering intoxicating liquor in the context of forthcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill.