Drinks Industry urges vigilance around underage drinking during for St Patrick's Day
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has urged its members to be especially vigilant over the St Patrick's Day festival to prevent underage people getting access to alcohol.
DIGI is the representative body for the Drinks Industry in Ireland. Its members include publicans, off licences, drinks manufacturers and others involved in the manufacturer or sale of alcohol.
Speaking today Michael Patten, Chairman of DIGI, said that the industry was reminding all its members – particularly those in the retail side of the industry – to be extra vigilant in the coming days; “In an ideal scenario we’d have a national ID card which would make it much easier for off licences and pubs to be certain about the age of the people they’re serving.
But in the absence of such a card, we’re reminding all of our members that unfortunately increased numbers of young people may try to get access to alcohol illegally this week and they need to be extra vigilant to prevent it.”
Patten also urged members of the public not to engage in “secondary purchasing”; the practice of buying alcohol on behalf of underage brothers, sisters or “friends” and giving it to them outside of the off-license or pub; “people have to be aware of their individual responsibilities when it comes to alcohol.
Buying drink to pass over to an underage friend or family member is highly irresponsible and could have serious consequences for the person to whom the drink is given.”
