This article is from page 9 of the 2006-08-15 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 9 JPG
THE GARDAÍ and the Vintners in Clare are advising young people not to over-indulge in alcohol as they celebrate their Leaving Certificate results.
Ennis Superintendent John Kerin said gardaí will liaise with the Vintners in Clare, in an effort to ensure people under the age of 18 do not consume alcohol as they celebrate their results.
“If young people are under 18, they are not allowed to consume alcohol from licensed premises or off-licences. If people are over 18, we ask that they be conscious of the fact that there are other people living in the town and they should be restrained in their celebrations,” said Supt Kerin.
He pointed out that extra gardaí will be on duty on Wednesday night and anyone found to sell alcohol to underage people will face the rigours of the law.
“We will be taking firm action against off-licences and licensed premises if drink is sold to underage persons,” he said.
PRO of the Vintners Federation in Clare, Scarriff publican Michael McNamara, said publicans and off-licence operators should show responsibility.
“The advice we have is ongoing. Our advice to our members is under no circumstances do we tolerate underage drinking. Most publicans would have families of their own and would see it in that light,” said Mr McNamara.
He pointed out that, despite calls over the years for ID to be mandatory, this has not happened.
“We have been calling for mandatory ID for years,” he said, adding that those wishing to consume alcohol on his premises must have ID.
He said problems created by a minority of young people paints an ugly picture on the issue.
“I would say the majority of kids don’t really indulge in the practice at all. So few can make so much noise on the streets and in housing estates.
“I am not sure the problem is as widespread as some people would make us believe,” said Mr McNamara.”