FERMOY PUBS UNDERAGE STING COULD HURT
A number of pubs in Fermoy could have their doors closed for up to a month following a garda operation in which underage patrons as young as 15 were detected on a number of premises last weekend.
A spokesman for Fermoy gardai confirmed that uniformed gardai made a number of detections at licensed premises in the town, less than two months after all members of Fermoy’s drinks trade were offered training on preventing underage drinking.
The spokesman added that as a part of the training, offered in a joint operation with the Health Service Executive, licensed sellers were warned that inspections like the operation carried out last weekend would become the norm.
Under new offences made law under the 2008 Liquor Act, authorities will have the option of closing offending pubs and clubs for a period of 7 to 30 days with the possibility of imposing fines of three to five thousand euro.
“Parents and various groups had their concerns about underage drinking in the town and brought those concerns to the gardai,” the spokesman told The Avondhu.
The ongoing garda operation also found a number of 18-21 year olds who were in licensed premises after 9pm without adequate ID, an offence that can lead to fines being imposed on both the patron and the pub. Files are being sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions following last weekend’s operation.
The operation comes a week before the official launch of another joint campaign from the gardai and the HSE. The aim of the ‘Fermoy Says No to Drugs Campaign’ campaign is to enable pub-goers to be informed about the dangers associated with the use of drugs and alcohol and also to highlight the supports that are available for the young people of Fermoy through local drug and alcohol services.
The campaign will be launched this week.
Published:
Thursday 30th April 8:25pm
