Gardai crackdown on underage drinking

GARDAI have said that they will be clamping down on Cork off-licenses selling alcohol to under 18’s.

Gardai have warned that off-licenses will be issued with closure notices if they are caught selling to minors.

The warning comes after Gardai ran an undercover campaign last December which resulted in a number of off-license owners being warned against selling alcohol to minors.

This time, however, they will be seeking full prosecutions for offenders which could result in businesses shutting down.

The warning comes as state exams finished, which is traditionally the biggest time of year for underage drinking.

“We ran a very successful operation nine months ago. A lot of garages and off-licenses were cautioned for their behaviour, but, this time, there will be full prosecution. They are forewarned,” said Superintendent McPolin.

“In the next few weeks, we will be running another operation and we will most definitely be prosecuting from this.”

He added that vendors need to take extra precaution to protect their businesses by ensuring that all customers are of legal age.

“We would ask off-licenses to be vigilant in relation to who they are selling drink to, because if you have an adult, over 18, coming in repeatedly and visiting, he or she is more than likely buying it for juveniles.

“The licenser, as well as the employees, have a responsibility. If they are not familiar with the licensing laws, they would want to familiarise themselves and their staff quickly,” he added.