Industry groups seek introduction of mandatory ID card

The National Off-Licence Association and the Cider Industry Council have both called for the introduction of a mandatory identity card in an effort to curb underage drinking.

John Sheil of the Off-Licence Association said his members often had difficulty telling the age of customers and detecting whether an ID card was forged.

“They don’t have that ability,” he said.

“We’re calling on the minister to give us a mandatory ID card. If our business is going to be closed because of selling alcohol to an underage person, then I think the least we can expect is that the minister would give us the equipment to sell responsibly."

Peter McKin of the Cider Industry Council, meanwhile, said: “Children are beginning to drink on average at 12 years of age.

"It’s gone down from 14 just a few years ago and obviously if that continues, you’ll have babes taking alcohol, so it’s got to stop.”