Cobh Urban District Council has taken a stand. The scenic, seafaring town, formerly Queenstown, from where so many emigrants left in overcrowded ships for a new life on other shores, has decided that enough is enough.
The town, some years back, was showing signs of wear. That has been challenged and defeated. The district council has introduced some tasteful additions, including quality stonework. It has all been aimed at giving back to Cobh - the cove of Cork in the old manuscripts - some of its former vitality. Tree-lined walks along the waterfront were developed, the eyesore buildings were pulled down. Cobh, visibly, was making a comeback.
In recent times, though, according to the UDC chairman, Mr Joe Dowling, drinking on the street had become a serious problem. Youngsters were buying drink through older friends and consuming it on the streets or along the walkways and many people felt intimidated.
There were numerous complaints and the matter became a contentious issue during the last local elections. The UDC was concerned, and so were local gardai. The gardai felt their hands were tied, and the advice to the UDC was that the by-laws would have to be changed. And so they have been.
The UDC has become one of the first local authorities in the State to introduce laws aimed specifically at curbing illegal drinking by young people.
So far, even though the new measures are not long in operation, the results are positive. i, cab taxi-drivers and the public in general, have reported an improvement.
Other local authorities are asking Cobh UDC for help in introducing similar laws in their areas. Cobh gardai have the right to confiscate bottles or containers and arrest their owners without warrant. The fine, on summary conviction, will be up to £950.
Is this the heavy hand of the law at work? "No," Mr Dowling said, "we had to do something, the problem was getting worse. Parents and members of the public were demanding a response." There is the danger, of course, that the youthful tipplers will simply move on, but if nearby local authorities, like Cork County Council and Cork Corporation, take action as well, public underage drinking might be stopped.
The UDC, together with the Garda, will carry out a continuing assessment. It will be interesting to see the results.