1,400 cans seized in underage drink blitz on streets

The legislation has been in operation on the streets since the August bank holiday and the haul was confiscated by the gardai in Dublin over the first three weekends of its implementation.

The cans and bottles of various brands of alcohol were seized from teenagers under 18 years and adults drinking in public places throughout the capital.

It was part of an initiative ordered by Assistant Commissioner Al McHugh in response to community concerns about on-street drinking, anti-social behaviour and public order issues in public parks and recreational areas.

The operation was coordinated by Insp Patrick McMenamin, of Pearse Street station, and the haul is being put on display at the Garda Siochana's metropolitan headquarters at Harcourt Square this afternoon.

A senior garda officer said last night the force was committed to ensuring that a minority of people, who are intent on misbehaving, did not have a negative impact on the quality of life in local areas or deprive communities of access to public amenities through intimidating behaviour.

"This initiative is designed to send a clear message that gardai have the powers to confiscate alcohol and have no hesitation in using them," he added.

He said the gardai were also anxious to remind parents and adults, who were supplying alcohol to young people, that they also had responsibilities.

The legislation also allows for the introduction of fixed penalty charges for being drunk in a public place or disorderly conduct and, according to Justice Minister Dermot Ahern, the aim is to make drinkers more responsible.

Power

Apart from the power to seize alcohol from youngsters and confiscate bottles or containers if there are fears of public disorder or damage to property, gardai have been given the power to direct a person to leave an area in a peaceful manner.

Under the legislation, any premises where drink is being served to underage consumers will be shut down for a minimum of two days, compared to the present penalty of a couple of hours.

Fines for certain licensing and public order offences are being increased, while restrictions are being introduced on the advertising and supply of alcohol at reduced prices.

Source: Tom Brady, The Independent, 02/09/2008