Gardaí set to sip pints to prove offence

GARDAÍ may have to sip pints to prove that underage drinkers are consuming alcohol, a judge has ruled.

Judge Peter Smithwick made the comment after dismissing a case against a Tipperary publican who was charged with allowing underage drinking at his premises.

The defendant's solicitor said the boy, who gardaí claimed was caught with a pint of lager, was drinking Red Bull, an alcohol-free drink. Judge Smithwick said there was a "reasonable doubt" about what drink he was consuming and dismissed the case.