Liquor Bill threatens teens with jail for fake ID cards

THE Government is to push ahead with controversial laws which could see teenagers caught with fake garda age cards facing a year in jail or fines of up to €3,000.

As Justice Minister Michael McDowell put the finishing touches on the new Liquor Licensing Bill, he warned forgers and those who altered ID cards that costly penalties or even prison time was on the cards.

The measure is part of the minister’s radical reforms of the licensed trade, merging 85 years of laws which currently form a patchwork of rules and regulations.