A controversial proposal that parents should bring older teenagers to the pub has been criticised for failing to address binge drinking among youngsters.
A heated debate erupted after details emerged of a Christmas campaign planned by a group of vintners in Kerry and Cork.
It will encourage parents to bring their 18- and 19-year-olds to the pub for a pint so they can learn how to drink responsibly – and it has already got the backing of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland (VFI).
Under the proposals, publicans would hold special promotions and events in their pubs aimed at attracting families.
VFI Kerry chairman Ger Counihan insists the aim of the campaign, which will be piloted over Christmas, is to curb the incidents of young people binge-drinking on cheap alcohol.
But critics said it failed to truly address the problem of binge drinking – particularly in younger teens, many of whom begin drinking alcohol well before they reached 18.
A study carried out by the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUI Galway found that one-third of 15- to 17-year-olds reported being drunk in the previous month, while 52pc of this age group said they had been "really drunk". And a minority of 11-year-olds, 4pc, even said they had been "really drunk".
Homeless campaigner Fr Peter McVerry said that for many young people the damage had already been done before they reached the age of 18.
"I don't think it's a runner and it's not something I would support and for some people, the damage has already been done before they reach 18," Fr McVerry said.
Source: Majella O'Sullivan, Irish Independent, 14/09/13
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