Ireland: Alcohol should be traceable to tackle those selling drink to minors

Source: Evening Echo

Roisin Burke

August 1, 2017

A CORK garda chief is calling for the introduction of new technology to catch those buying alcohol for teenagers or selling drink to minors.

Chief Supt Con Cadogan explained to the Evening Echo that all cans and bottles have bar codes in accordance with EU regulations and there is nothing stopping these cans and bottle from having unique individual bar codes that can help them to be traced back to where they were sold.

“They can be used to trace back when young people are drinking or whatever, you can see where they got their bottles and cans and chances are you can see if someone purchased it for them using CCTV, which most premises have.” Chief Supt Cadogan said he was aware it would require a legislative change, but he felt it was something that should be looked at.

Chief Supt Cadogan said he was aware it would require a legislative change, but he felt it was something that should be looked at.

“It would take a legislative change to do that and that is what I am suggesting should be looked at.

“It would bring a certain amount of traceability and with traceability comes accountability and with accountability comes responsibility.

“I think Cork could spearhead this campaign.” Independent Councillor Alan Coleman said anything that that helps tackle underage drinking would certainly help.

“Con Cadogan has always been progressive and looking for new angles and I think it would help put manners on some people.

“It is definitely a good way of dealing with things, we should be using technology to our benefit.

“It is a good idea and I think it is a viable idea. It makes sense.” Cllr Coleman also did not think it would be a huge issue to bring in legislation to support the proposal.

“Legislatively it should not be a huge issue, we just want to use the information for a greater good.” Drinkaware.ie said they felt the idea was an “innovative one” and said: “we would support any measure that is proven to delay the age at which young people in Ireland take their first drink.”