Just four out of 200 independent retailers who are licensed to sell alcohol are taking part in an industry-operated scheme regarding the sale of alcohol.
Supermarkets, conveniences stores and newsagents operate a voluntary code of conduct on the sale of alcohol as well as limits on advertising.
The code was accepted by the previous justice minster Dermot Ahern as an alternative to enacting provisions in the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 on the separation of alcohol from other products on sale in the relevant shops and supermarkets.
Responsible Retailing of Alcohol in Ireland (RRAI) was set up by the industry to oversee the implementation of the code and carry out audits on compliance.
Source: Cormac O’Keeffe, Irish Examiner, 03/06/2011