Proposals to increase the legal age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 are to be studied as part of measures being considered to curb binge drinking.
Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Brian Lenihan said the age at which alcohol can be bought is part of the remit of an advisory group which is looking at the problems associated with the abuse of alcohol. He also said he favoured the introduction of on-the-spot fines for some drinking offences.
However, Mr Lenihan said restricting the sale of alcohol to over 18s in a pub might prove to be difficult and the increased age restrictions, if introduced, might only be for the off-licence trade.
"It is much more difficult to restrict the citizen who is of a full age to buy a drink under controlled circumstances. I'm open to looking at the issue of whether we can prohibit the public sale of alcohol up to the age of 21. That's certainly something we can look at," Mr Lenihan said.
The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland said there was "no evidence" to suggest that citizens on whom adult rights and obligations at 18 should be conferred to buy a drink at that age, and that efforts should be focused on underage drinking.
The group also disputed the Minister's figure that alcohol consumption continues to rise, saying consumption per capita had actually decreased by 6.7 per cent since 2001.
The drinks industry awareness group, Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (Meas) said measures that the Minister introduces should have public support.
"I'm not sure there would be public support for increasing the age to 21 in one sector and not another," Meas spokeswoman Fionnuala Sheehan said.
The Minister said to the Newstalk Lunchtime with Eamon Keane programme that he would be in favour of on-the-spot fines for public order offences where drink is involved, as a deterrent.
"Quite often, when people see a problem, they say let's increase the penalties and the fines. I was pointing to the existence of that option as one that can often be far more effective in encouraging better behaviour," he said.
The advisory group, which is chaired by Dr Gordon Holmes and includes Garda Chief Supt John Twomey, will report to the Minister by March 31st, and he is hoping to bring forward legislation before the summer which will be passed in a bi-partisan manner.
he was concerned about the growing number of off-licences in supermarkets, convenience stores and garages and also the growing number of exemptions given to pubs, clubs and hotels for late-night events.
The advisory group also examines the possibilities of increasing sanctions, especially for the sale of under-age alcohol.
"The Government shares the growing national concern about public-order problems resulting from binge drinking."
