Taoiseach calls for action on 'alcopops'

The Taoiseach has called on the alcohol industry to stop trading in shot-type drinks and "alcopops" in an effort to reduce the level of binge drinking among young people in Ireland.

In a speech to the European Brewery Convention in Dublin, Bertie Ahern said he welcomed recent initiatives by the industry to promote sensible drinking.

However, he said drinks firms and publicans could make a greater effort by refusing to produce, import, distribute or sell "shot-type drinks or sweet fruit alcoholic drinks which are clearly targeted at young people".

Mr Ahern said the Government was powerless to ban such products under EU rules, but a voluntary ban by the drinks industry "would be a welcome assertion that it takes its social responsibility seriously".