Off-licences deregulation ‘will increase underage drinking’

The National Off-Licence Association has claimed that plans to deregulate the sale of alcohol will lead to widespread underage drinking.

The association claimed today that proposals put forward by Justice Minister Michael McDowell would facilitate the sale of alcohol in shops, cinemas and take-aways.

It said such deregulation would give young people more widespread access to alcohol in much less-controlled circumstances.

Spokesman Jim McCabe said: “The PD headlong rush towards liberalisation may or may not be justified in regard to certain other national issues, but in relation to alcohol retailing, it ignores the perils and the pitfalls associated with such a serious product.”