The Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, as amended by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000, provides the key provisions relating to the sale of, provision to and purchase of intoxicating liquor to or by persons under 18 years of age. Part IV of the Act is of particular relevance in this regard. I am informed by the Garda authorities that the sale of, provision to and purchase of intoxicating liquor to or by persons under 18 years receives the appropriate Garda attention.
Section 36 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988, places restrictions on persons under 18 years being in off-licenses, and states that a demand made for the production of an age card shall be a defence in any prosecution. I am informed that the national age card office, which forms part of Garda community relations, has fully briefed the National Off-licence Association and other representative bodies on the implications of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Age Card) Regulations 1999 (S.I. No. 4 of 1999).
Application forms for the national age card are available at all Garda stations and in other premises that are frequented by the relevant age group of 18 years and over. The application form is also available for access at home on the Garda website www.garda.ie.
Fora are being set up at local level between the licensed trade and Garda management with a view to discussing matters of mutual interest, including the matter of underage drinking.