Stricter laws governing the sale and possession of alcohol aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour come into force tomorrow.
Under the new rules, gardaí will be permitted to seize alcohol from minors and to take drink from people if they feel there is an issue of public disorder involved.
They will also be able to impose fixed-penalty fines for public order offences related to alcohol.
Opening hours for off-licences are to be cut back and there will be increased fines for vendors who break the law on alcohol sales.
Publicans or off-licenses found selling alcohol to minors will face orders for closure.
The measures are part of the Intoxicating Liquor Act which was Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern signed into law last week.
Mr Ahern said the new rules would help tackle alcohol abuse.
“The Act places restriction on the availability and visibility of alcohol and provides for more effective enforcement to deal with the consequences of alcohol abuse,” he said.
“The introduction of Fixed Penalty charges for offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct will not only lead to more efficient use of public resources but hopefully will also support more responsible behaviour on the part of those concerned.”
Additional reporting PA