ID SCHEME TO COMBAT UNDERAGE DRINKING PLANNED

By Joe Humphreys

A new national identification card scheme aimed at combating underage
drinking is expected to be introduced before Christmas by the Minister for
Justice, Mr O'Donoghue.

However, it is expected to operate only on a voluntary basis, with the
responsibility for enforcement resting with publicans and offlicence staff.

Under the scheme, young people buying alcohol will be asked to produce the
new ID card, which will carry a photograph and details of the holder.

More than 100 local ID schemes are in operation throughout the State.
Offlicence owners have complained, however, that the local ID cards are
not all the same and can be forged fairly easily. It is believed the new
card will contain an antitampering device, such as a hologram.

The National OffLicence Association, which represents the owners of more
than 300 offlicences, held a meeting recently with the Minister to discuss
the issue. The group has been campaigning since January 1992 for the
introduction of a national ID card scheme, which is allowed for under
Section 40 of the Licensing Liquor Act, 1998.

The association yesterday welcomed the Minister's decision to introduce the
national scheme. A spokesman said he hoped it would "remove any doubt" over
the sale of alcohol. He said he believed it would apply in the 1825 age
bracket, adding that "anyone between those ages will have to produce an ID
on request".