McDowell criticises application of drinking laws

The Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell has criticised the application of new laws governing underage drinking in Dublin.

McDowell said newly released figures show Dublin to have much fewer applications to close pubs for serving underage customers than the rest of the country.

“The contrast leapt out at me when the figures were provided to me recently in the context of a Dail debate," he said.

Meanwhile, publicans have come under fire for engaging in practices which encourage excessive drinking among young people.

The Commission on Liquor Licensing has said the sale of spirit-based drinks such as Smirnoff Ice and Bacardi Breezer on draught is dangerous.

The Commission’s chairman Gordon Holmes also pointed to the practice of selling drinks at lower prices once an entrance fee is paid.