Alcohol and the law

It is against the law for a young person under 18 to:

Buy alcohol
Drink alcohol in a public place
Pretend to be over 18 in order to buy alcohol
Be in a pub after:
- 9pm from 1 October to 30 April
- 10pm from 1 May to 30 September or
Be on licensed premises during an exemption.

It is against the law for a young person under 15 to be in a pub without a parent or guardian.

A young person between 15 and 17 can attend a private function, such as a wedding, in a pub after the times above if a proper meal is being served.

It is also against the law for an adult to buy alcohol for a young person under the age of 18. The penalty is a maximum fine of €1500.

In a private residence, alcohol cannot be served to a visiting young person (under 18) without the explicit consent of that young person’s parent or guardian.

The information below should be helpful, as many parents are unsure of the law on underage drinking and what happens if this law is broken.

Juvenile Diversion Programme

Applies to those over the age of criminal responsibility and under 18
Gives young offenders a second chance
Includes conditions, such as accepting responsibility, agreeing to cautioning and supervision from Juvenile Liaison Officer and no previous cautions
Allows teenagers avoid a criminal record

Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994

Cannot be drunk in public place - maximum fine of €127
Cannot take part in ‘offensive conduct’ between 12am and 7am - maximum fine of €635
Cannot use threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour in public - maximum fine of €635 and/or 3 months jail

Intoxicating Liquor Act 1988 (Part IV provisions relating to persons under 18 years)

It is illegal to sell or supply alcohol to under 18s
Gardaí can take away alcohol from under 18s drinking in public and can also contact their parents

Off-licences sales

Off-licence sales of alcohol is only permitted between the hours of 10.30 am and 10.00 pm on weekdays and 12.30 pm to 10.00 pm on Sundays
It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be in an off-licence, unless he or she is with a parent or guardian and all off-licences must display a sign to this effect