Youth group calls for pub closures on St Patrick's Day
The country’s largest youth work agency has called for pubs to close on St Patrick’s Day.
Youth Work Ireland believes the drinks industry and retailers must show a commitment to responsibility in relation to sales to all people, particularly when combating serious alcohol misuse on the national holiday.
The organisation wants all retailers and off-licences to co-operate fully with the Gardai.
“The drinks industry has long claimed they are willing to act responsibly to combat alcohol abuse, this is a real chance for them to show it,” said Michael McLoughlin, the organisation’s director of central services. “Closure of outlets for some or all of St. Patrick’s Day would be highly symbolic.
“The Government’s Strategic Task Force on Alcohol has flagged the importance of availability and supply in the area of alcohol abuse.
“While the law makes no provision for it and it is only one part of a strategic approach to the issue, responsible behaviour by retailers and off licences would have a significant impact on the spectacle that St Patrick’s Day has become.
“Failure of these organisations to take a lead will expose a real lack of commitment to responsibility in this area.”
