Gardaí given tougher powers to tackle underage drinking

GARDAÍ will be given tougher powers next month to crack down on underage street drinkers.

Fixed-penalty charges for the offence of drunkenness in a public place, stronger powers for garda to seize alcohol from youths and tougher sanctions against pubs for serving underage drinkers are part of the new measures signed off by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern yesterday.

The new measures, which form part of the Intoxicating Liquor Act, are due to come into effect on July 30.