UNITED CALLS FOR CRACKDOWN ON UNDERAGE DRINKING
IDENTITY CARDS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SUGGESTED AS PART SOLUTION TO INCREASING PROBLEM
June 1977
IMMEDIATE action on under-age drinking is backed by the licenced trade, gardai, schools and parents at a meeting, called by the Knights of Columbanus, in the Derryhale Hotel.
A crusade to clamp down on this problem is based on an idea by the new grand knight, Declan Gibson, to issue identity cards to young people.
The knights say similar schemes operate successfully in Nenagh and Thurles to make it impossible for teenagers under 18 to buy drink without identification.
If the ID card system comes into use in Dundalk, it will safeguard young people and publicans.
According to Mr. Gibson, teenage drinking is prevalent. Many young people are buying drink in off-licences and supermarkets for parties in disused houses or quiet areas of the town.
Three drinks, on display at the meeting, a cheap wine, vodka and cider, are dubbed the ‘ teens’ trinity’ because of their popularity.
He says that the campaign is not a vendetta against publicans by the Knights of Columbanus, rather they want to take action about the problem.
James McCourt, chairman of the local vintners’ association, points out members are always advised not to sell drink to under 18s.
He wants to see this enforced by garda visits to pubs to deter young people from drinking there.
It was practice in the past, and appeared to work.
Inspector Brian McCabe replies the guards will assist on this matter, but it doesn’t mean they will take over the publicans’ responsibilities.
Figures at the meeting show that close on 1,000 drinking exemptions were granted by courts in Dundalk for the year 1 August, 1975 to 31 July, 1976.
A breakdown reveals that extensions were granted on 875 occasions to hotels, 74 clubs, 9 public houses and 3 special licences.
It is emphasised that many of the extensions are for dances or functions patronised by teenagers.
A lady asks how parents can object to these licences being granted, and Inspector McCabe replies, ‘All they need do is come to the court.’
A hotel owner says that in his experience a lot of young people are bringing drink into the hotel in their pockets.
He believes half of the drink taken by teenagers is got in off-licences and supermarkets.
Marist priest, Fr. Hunt says ID cards on their own are no use. Every parent has the responsibility to educate their children about drink.
Sergeant Dan Prenty is of the opinion that a surplus of money lies at the root of the problem, and that parents are to blame for the young drinkers.
A motion that the ID card scheme be at least tried, is unanimously carried.
Details are to be worked out by the knights, but it is hoped the new system can be implemented in the near future.
It is expected that the cards will be distributed through the schools and at a centre not yet established.