The lack of a national ID card is making it difficult for off-licence owners to tackle underage drinking, according to their trade organisation.
The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA), representing 350 independent owners, launched an age-awareness campaign yesterday with a poster featuring girls who look old enough to drink, but are just 15.
The event coincided with a plea to young people to carry formal identification at all times, and a seminar for off-licence workers on responsible trading.
It is believed half of teenagers between 15 and 17 are regular drinkers, with 60 per cent of boys and 56 per cent of girls reporting drunkenness. Alcohol is obtained from home, from "fishing" (persuading others to purchase for them) and from direct purchasing from off-licences.
Jim McCabe, vice-chairman of the off-licence association, said it was very difficult for off-licence staff to deal with prospective underage purchasers because there was no national ID.
He said not many young people bought the Garda ID card because of its cost and the trouble it takes to apply for one.
