Gardaí have displayed up to 2,000 cans and bottles of alcohol seized over three weekends in the greater Dublin area.
The value of the seizures is estimated at €5,000. Alcohol seized included well-known brands such as Budweiser and Guinness as well as budget-priced drinks such as Dutch Gold and Buckfast.
Inspector Patrick McMenamin from Pearse Street Garda station said the alcohol was seized following the introduction of new powers provided by the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 which came into operation on July 30th.
It allows gardaí to seize alcohol from under 18-year-olds, or from adults in possession of alcohol in a public place. The cans and bottles were confiscated in more than 700 seizures with 25 per cent being taken from under 18-year-olds. “The remainder would have been taken from adults. We’d be satisfied that some of that would have been destined for young people,” he said.
The alcohol was seized in streets, car parks, public amenities and laneways, he said. Insp McMenamin said the drink had been bought legitimately but he did not single out any particular form of retail outlet for supplying the seized alcohol. He said the cans and bottles would be disposed of by Dublin City Council in an environmentally friendly way.
Insp McMenamin said these new powers would help gardaí in their policing of underage drinking often associated with the celebrations following the release of Junior Cert results.
“An Garda Síochána, while playing our part, would also appeal to parents and adults who are minded to supply alcohol to young people that they have responsibilities too. Gardaí will continue to use these powers as we work with communities to ensure safer communities for everyone,” he said.
