McDowell accused of bias against young people over pub law change

JUSTICE MINISTER Michael McDowell was accused last night of discriminating against young people by allowing pubs and nightclubs to raise their age limits above 18.

The planned change to the Equal Status Act will allow licence holders to introduce a policy of serving alcohol only to people over the age of 21 if they wish.

But the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) said the minister was rolling back on existing equality laws and scapegoating young adults for public order problems.