McDowell’s new target: alcochocs

THEY’RE hardly in the same league as alcopops or other designer drinks aimed at young teens, but Justice Minister Michael McDowell is taking no chances with liqueur chocolates.

The minister is proposing to raise the fine for those who sell liqueur chocolates to minors from the old £50 (€63.50) to up to €300.

The provision stating that “intoxicating liquor in confectionery shall not be sold to a person who is under the age of 16 years” is one of the quirkier elements of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962.