Crackdown on illegal drinking launched in the North
Pub owners in the North could be put out of business for up to three months under tough new laws to curb illegal drinking, it was revealed today.
Premises involved in disorder or allowing underage customers to buy alcohol will be targeted.
Penalty points leading to a ban and moves to specify proof-of-age documents will be introduced, the North's Social Development Minister said.
Margaret Ritchie said: “I believe that stricter enforcement measures are urgently needed to address growing problems of public health, disorder and underage drinking in Northern Ireland.
“The message is loud and clear from the public in Northern Ireland that they want us to take action in relation to this issue and to have stiffer liquor licensing legislation in place.”
Penalty points would be levied by courts on premises which break the law.
Magistrates would have some discretion but would be obliged to endorse points on a licence or certificate for serious offences like underage sales.
Premises accumulating 10 points within a three-year period would have their certificate suspended for a minimum of a week and a maximum of three months.
Police have to provide a heavy security presence at weekends in some towns to deal with the threat posed by unruly drinkers.
