Schools should help fight alcohol abuse, says licensing watchdog

YOUNG people must be taught at school that it is not right to abuse alcohol, the chairman of the Commission on Liquor Licensing warns today.

Gordon Holmes said he understood educators’ arguments that the school curriculum was already overloaded. But with youth alcohol abuse now at crisis level, it was important schools deal with the issue in a scheme also involving parents.

The Limerick-based solicitor, in charge of reviewing the alcohol business, said he was concerned that publicans have a licensed monopoly. He also said he is worried about gaps in the enforcement of the law.