Government blasted over underage drinking

THE Government’s failure to introduce mandatory ID cards is to blame for the “totally unacceptable” level of underage drinking in Ireland, off-licence chief John Shiel claimed yesterday.

He said government “inaction” over the introduction of cards is hampering efforts to curb the situation.

Mr Shiel, who heads the 330-member National Off-Licence Association, said a mandatory ID card system was the first, fundamental step in dealing with underage drinking.