Commenting on the announcement made today by the Security Minister, Paul Goggins on the introduction of alcohol test purchasing powers in Northern Ireland.
Mr McGimpsey said: “Alcohol misuse is one of the biggest public health issues facing Northern Ireland. This is a real concern, especially when you reflect that the cost to society is estimated at around £800million per year.
“The ‘real’ cost, however, is felt by the individuals and families who suffer from its associated harm. Our children and young people are particularly at risk, as they are far more vulnerable than adults to suffering physical, emotional and social harm from their own and from other people’s drinking.”
The test purchasing powers will enable the police to conduct operations in premises suspected of selling alcohol to minors. The Minister said: “There must be rigorous enforcement of the law relating to underage alcohol sales, further restricting the supply of alcohol to children and young people.
“I therefore welcome today’s announcement regarding the introduction of the test purchasing powers in Northern Ireland. These powers will give the police greater opportunities to identify and punish those license holders who sell alcohol to minors. Anyone who is caught selling alcohol to under-age buyers must be dealt with by the full force of the law.
“The introduction of these powers will support our efforts to reduce alcohol related harm in Northern Ireland. I will also continue to work with my ministerial colleague, Margaret Ritchie, to ensure that the review of liquor licensing is used to further reduce young people’s access to alcohol.”
Notes to Editors:
- The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety's strategy for reducing the harm related to alcohol and drug misuse, The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs can be found at: www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/show_publications?txtid=17069.
- Security Minister, Paul Goggins MP, confirmed that he would shortly commence new test purchasing powers that will allow the police to conduct test purchase operations in order to pinpoint and punish those licence holders who sell alcohol to minors at the launch of the annual “Get Home Safe” campaign in Belfast on 2 December 2008.
- Under the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 it is against the law for a person under the age of 18 to purchase alcohol and, subject to a series of special provisions, to be present in licensed premises. It is also an offence for someone under 18 to present themselves as being 18 or over to be on licensed premises. For a licence holder who unlawfully allows someone under 18 onto the licensed premises the penalty can be a fine of up to £2,500. Selling alcohol to a minor can attract a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment and the licence can be altered suspended or revoked. Under Article 60A of the Order (inserted by the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008) persons under the age of 18 are permitted to enter licensed premises to purchase alcohol when sent into the premises by a constable acting in the course of their duty.
- Further Information on the test purchasing announcement can be obtained from the NIO Press Office on 028 9052 2077.
- For all media queries contact the DHSSPS Press Office 028 9052 0571. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
