Rory O'Hanlon
Ceist:88 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to address the issue of underage late night drinking; and the number of late night extensions which have been issued in the years 1992 and 1993.
Written Answers. - Late Night Drinking.
A wide range of controls designed to tackle the problem of under-age drinking is included in the Intoxicating Liquor Act, 1988. The Act is designed to make it as difficult as possible for persons under 18 years to purchase alcohol or to be in possession of it or to consume it other than in a private residence. In particular, under section 35 of the Act, it is an offence for a licenceholder to allow any under-age person in a licensed premises when an exemption order is in force and it is also an offence for such a person to be so present. The 1988 Act, furthermore, provides for stiff penalties for licence-holders convicted of supplying alcohol to under-age persons. In the case of a first offence, the maximum fine is £300 which increases to £500 for a second or subsequent offence. The mandatory licence endorsement provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Acts also apply to such offences.
As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, I am informed that District Court records show that the numbers of special exemptions granted in the District Courts in 1992 and 1993 were as follows:
|
Legal year ended 31 July |
Number of special exemptions granted |
|
1992 |
54,854 |
|
1993 |
56,377 |