Pub curfew on children must not be relaxed, says Barnardos

CHILD protection agency Barnardos has defended the 9pm ban on children in pubs.

Chief executive Owen Keenan said yesterday: “To relax the current ban on children in pubs after 9pm may enhance the profits of the drinks industry, but who can argue that it is in the interest of children and young people to be on licensed premises until 10.30pm?”

Mr Keenan said Barnardos had received commitments from the six main political parties they would always put the interests of young people above all others - especially those of the drinks industry - when making alcohol policy.

He added: “While some ministers have clearly been ‘got at’ by the industry, Barnardos remains confident the parties will honour their commitments.”

Two weeks ago it was reported Tourism Minister John O’Donoghue had raised the 9pm ban with Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

Mr O’Donoghue, who represents Kerry South, said the issue was “a concern within the tourism industry”.

He said publicans were concerned the ban on under-18s in pubs after 9pm was damaging business.