Force pubs to train staff, urges report
The Joint Committee on Health & Children also recommends heavy fines or closure for premises whose security staff don't receive the training.
The committee says a mandatory national programme should be established for all front of house security staff within the next 12 months.
"There is widespread anecdotal evidence that a minority of security staff are acting in an aggressive and unprofessional way and actually causing violent tendencies among already intoxicated customers," committee chairman Batt O'Keeffe said yesterday at the launch of the report.
The committee urges a head-on approach towards tackling binge drinking by young people.
It regards lifestyle education in primary schools as a cornerstone in building healthier attitudes towards alcohol by our youth.
The report proposes a complete ban on all alcohol advertising within a three-year period.
It calls for a complete ban on acknowledgment or credit including the use of logos on labels for sponsorship or sports events, clubs or teams that cater for members under 25 years of age. The committee said the Government should seek to make this an EU-wide initiative.
Price control should be introduced for non-alcoholic drinks sold in licensed premises within six months, the committee says.
The committee also recommends the December 2004 Budget increase excise duty on "designer drinks" by between 50% and 100%.
It sees such action as a positive step towards discouraging excessive consumption of these ready-to-drink spirits, especially by young women.
Commenting on the report, a spokesperson for drinks group Diageo pointed out the Strategic Task Force on Alcohol in its 2002 report had indicated restrictions or banning of advertising had little or no effect on the levels of consumption or abuse.
"There is a lot of evidence around the world to suggest that," he added. "Quite a number of countries have abolished bans and have applied voluntary codes."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
