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Over 250 pubs and off-licences targeted in underage-selling operation

Recent laws allow gardaí to send minors into licensed premises suspected of selling alcohol to under-18s.

MORE THAN 250 pubs and off-licences have been targeted in sting operations designed to curb the underage selling of alcohol since new legislation was introduced.

Under laws which came into force 18 months ago, gardaí can appoint young people to attempt to buy alcohol, with the aim of exposing licensed premises who are failing to enforce age restrictions.

Justice minister Alan Shatter said this week that 265 licensed premises have been targeted under the legislation since it entered into force in October 2010.

Shatter said the scheme was designed to target “to target those licensed premises which are suspected of engaging in illegal sales of alcohol to young people”.

However, he did not say how many of the premises had been found to be selling drinks to underage teens.

The Government plans to introduce new legislation in mid-2012 based on the recommendations of the National Substance Misuse Steering Group, which earlier this month called for a ban on alcohol sponsorship of sport and festivals, as well as new restrictions on drink sales and advertising.

More: Alcohol consumption down by 17 per cent over last decade>

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