‘Problematic’ number of premises sell alcohol near schools – study
A new study has found there are “problematic numbers” of premises licensed to sell alcohol in close proximity to schools, particularly primary schools located in the most disadvantaged parts of the country.
Researchers found that Deis primary schools are significantly more likely to be located in close proximity to licensed premises than schools in non-disadvantaged areas.
An average of 2.53 licensed premises were located within 300 metres of Deis primary schools, compared with an average of 1.48 for non-Deis schools.
However, the average rose to 7.7 licensed premises within 300 metres for the country’s most disadvantaged schools in the Deis Urban 1 band, compared with the overall average for all primary schools of 1.79.
The study, by researchers at the Health Research Board (HRB), Maynooth University and Technological University of the Shannon, said the findings indicated there were “problematic numbers” of licensed premises within close proximity of schools.
The research, which is published in the medical journal BMC Public Health, examined the proximity of 14,840 premises with a liquor licence issued by Revenue to more than 3,200 primary schools and around 720 secondary schools.
Overall, the average number of licensed premises within 300 metres of all schools was two.
No statistical difference was found in proximity to pubs, offlicences and other premises licensed to sell alcohol between Deis and non-Deis schools at secondary level, with an average of three within 300 metres.
About a third of all schools – both primary and post-primary – are classified as Deis schools.
More than 257,300 pupils were enrolled in Deis schools in the 2022/23 academic year, representing 26.9pc of the total school population.
One of the main authors of the study, Anne Doyle of the HRB, pointed out that the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 prohibits alcohol advertising within 200 metres of the perimeter of schools, but the legislation does not apply to premises selling alcohol.
She added that the Sale of Alcohol Bill 2022 proposes to increase the number of licensed premises allowed to sell alcohol, as well as extending their opening hours.
“Alcohol availability within the vicinity of the home or school normalises alcohol for schoolchildren,” Ms Doyle said.
“As licensed premises signage is exempt from this ban, it is important that planning of additional licensed premises is carefully considered, especially in areas of disadvantage.”
She also highlighted international evidence which had shown the presence of licensed premises near children’s schools and homes is linked to an increased likelihood of alcohol use, binge drinking and detrimental effects on school behaviour.
The study called for priority to be given to reducing the level of availability of alcohol near schools in order to reduce its adverse effects on children.
“The findings from this study suggest greater regulation of licensed premises, particularly around schools in areas of greater deprivation, could potentially reduce the proportion of adolescents engaging in under-age drinking,” Ms Doyle said.