Council passes plans to tackle binge drinking

Tough new measures to crack down on binge drinking and anti-social behaviour have been passed by Dublin City Council.

With gardaí already on board to clamp down on anti-social behaviour caused by street drinking, the force put on display 1,400 bottles and cans of beer seized over the last month.

Backed by the improved powers pushed through by Justice Minister Dermot Ahern under the Intoxicating Liquor Act, it allows gardaí to confiscate drink from anyone under 18 in public.

In Dublin, councillors have changed the city’s Development Plan making it harder for off-licences or shops with part off-licences to get planning permission.

The Liffey Boardwalk and river banks have also been included as public places to make drinking on them illegal.

Sinn Féin councillor Daithi Doolan, chair of Dublin City Council’s planning committee, rejected claims from those in the off-licence trade that they were being victimised.

“This is not an attempt to put anyone out of business,” he said. “There were several months of public consultation and only two submissions were received. The industry itself made no submissions.

“Some streets in Dublin have become synonymous with cheap off-licences. These regulations are aimed at getting a healthy balance and encouraging other types of outlets to open up there.”

Lord mayor Eibhlin Byrne said the decision to alter the Development Plan was taken to ensure people feel safe and comfortable in their own city.

“We have a duty to ensure that our city and neighbourhoods are places where everybody feels comfortable”, said Ms Byrne.

“In some areas excessive street drinking has led to citizens feeling threatened. This cannot be tolerated. As a council we have an obligation to safeguard the social fabric of our city”.

Alcohol advertising in off-licences will also be curtailed while a 10% limit on floorspace devoted to alcohol is to be enforced.

The measures come into effect on October 1.

“An Garda Síochána is committed to ensuring that a minority of individuals intent on misbehaving do not have a negative impact on the quality of life in local areas and deprive communities of access to public amenities through intimidating behaviour,” a garda spokesman said.

“Today’s initiative is designed to send a clear message that gardai have the powers to confiscate alcohol and have no hesitation in using them.”