Prosecutions after shops caught in garda sting selling drink to teens

GARDAÍ have confirmed they’ve used a sting operation for the first time in Cork which will result in the prosecution of four outlets for illegally selling alcohol to young teens.

Under new legislation, the authorities are permitted to recruit children under 18 to help detect breaches of the liquor licensing acts. Superintendent Con Cadogan said, in using volunteers under the legislation, gardaí had carried out “test purchases” in the Gurranabraher, Knocknaheeny and Ballincollig areas in an attempt to prevent underage teens acquiring drink. In recent days, undercover gardaí visited 13 outlets and witnessed an underage volunteer purchasing alcohol in four stores.

Supt Cadogan said gardaí were acting on complaints from the public about underage drinking in different parts of the north-western side of the city.