Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2019
258. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Justice and Equality if there is specific legislation or regulations that those organising underage discos must adhere to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39462/19]
View answerI can inform the Deputy that there is no specific legislation or regulations governing the organisation of underage discos. The organisation of dances generally falls under the Public Dance Halls Act, 1935. An application under this Act for a public dancing licence will in the main be made at the District Court.
If the Deputy’s question relates to the sale, supply or consumption of intoxicating liquor at such events, the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988 as amended applies.
Section 31 (Sale of Intoxicating Liquor to persons under the age of 18 years) states that:
(1) the holder of any licence shall not:
(a) sell or deliver or permit any person to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to a person under the age of 18 years,
(b) sell or deliver or permit any person to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to any person for consumption on his licensed premises by a person under the age of 18 years,
(c) permit a person under the age of 18 years to consume intoxicating liquor on his licensed premises, or
(d) permit any person to supply a person under the age of 18 years with intoxicating liquor on his licensed premises.
(2) The holder of a licence of any licensed premises shall not sell or deliver or permit any person to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to any person for consumption off his licensed premises by a person under the age of 18 years in any place other than a private residence.
(3) A person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding—
(a) £300, in the case of a first offence, or
(b) £500, in the case of a second or any subsequent offence, and the offence shall be deemed for the purposes of Part III (which relates to the endorsement of licences) of the Act of 1927 to be an offence to which that Part of that Act applies
