Public urged to use hotline to report underage drinkers

GARDAÍ and publicans want the public to ring a hotline and report under-age drinkers.

They’ve set up a confidential phoneline and want the public to report those who blatantly flout the law. The strategy is helping to clamp down on alcohol abuse in a Wexford town which has seen a substantial dip in serious assaults.

New Ross garda sergeant Sean Malone says the phoneline is part of a promotion to highlight general awareness about alcohol abuse and the national identity card system in New Ross. Callers can also talk about the general issue of underage drinking and the impact high alcohol consumption is having on the public at large.

“The campaign is part of our ongoing efforts to make New Ross a safer place.

“We’ve developed this campaign with other agencies and so far, so good. Two of our garda members, in particular, have made an extra effort to make contact with the vintners, meet with them as well as working with juveniles.”

Gardaí can close any premises found to be serving underage drinkers. One premises has already been closed under such legislation and gardaí warn they will not spare those found to be flouting the law.

Local vintner Brendan Murphy said publicans were as anxious as anyone else that those who are flouting the law should be weeded out and prosecuted where necessary.

The confidential phone line (051-426031) will be manned by gardaí over the next three Monday nights, beginning on April 21.

The line will operate from 7pm to 10pm.