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.

Some of the tougher measures in the bill include giving gardaí the power to arrest anyone suspected of forgery if they refuse to give their name and address.

Stricter sanctions and penalties against bars and off-licenses which serve under-age drinkers will be brought in. A proposal that all temporary closure orders would last for at least two days has been put forward.

Mr McDowell reiterated his belief that a radical change was needed in the way Irish drinking culture was viewed.

“We need a cultural shift in this country in our approach to alcohol consumption, a shift towards moderate social consumption and away from the excessive consumption patterns and binge drinking that so often results in alcohol-related harm,” he said. Ireland is second only to Luxembourg in the EU in alcohol consumption, with a rate of 11 litres per person compared to an EU average of 9.1 litres.

Under the reforms, 600 licensing and excise provisions spread across about 100 statutes will be swept away and replaced by a single updated statute.

Provision is also being made for offences relating to drunkenness and disorderly conduct on licensed premises and for under-age drinking.

The bill will strengthen statutory provisions to combat sales to under 18s by requiring off-licences to have written policies and control procedures.

The licence renewal system will also be streamlined.

Mr McDowell told the Beverage Council of Ireland conference that the changes were designed to address a wide range of concerns.

“I want to encourage the consumption of food with alcohol, reduce alcohol-related harm, especially among young people, improve compliance with licensing law by licensees, and its enforcement by the gardaí,” he said.

“This is obviously a policy area where views differ, and where sincerely held beliefs diverge greatly.

“There is a need for rational debate and for constructive dialogue on how best to address the problems of alcohol-related harm in this society.”