Clampdown on off-licence opening hours

Off-licences in Ireland could be forced to close by 10pm and police given powers to seize alcohol from anyone appearing under 18, under tough new laws.

The draft version of the Intoxicating Liquor/Public Order Bill 2008 also proposes that supermarkets and convenience stores should be made to display and sell alcohol in a separate area of the shop.

If not separate, all bottles and cans would have to be displayed and sold behind the counter.

The bill, designed to tackle alcohol-related issues, also proposes a clampdown on pubs and supermarkets selling alcohol at a "reduced price". All venues would face a maximum fine of 5,000 euros.

It draws on a number of recommendations from the government's Alcohol Advisory Group. But a proposal to increase the minimum age for alcohol sales in off-licences to 21 was not adopted.

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, said: "The State has a key role to play in ensuring that licensing laws and public order legislation is adequate and effective. Parents too have an indispensable role. Nor should we overlook the importance of personal responsibility.

"As a society, we need to take responsibility both collectively and individually in order to address the problems arising from excessive consumption of alcohol. We need to examine our acceptance of heavy drinking and the signal that this is sending, particularly to our young people.

"Government has a clear responsibility to ensure that our laws and regulations are supportive of cultural change in this area."

Late-night bars and clubs would also be required to have CCTV.

The bill could become law before the Irish government's summer recess.

Though the laws will have no direct effect on the UK, Ireland often leads the way in legislation, having adopted a smoking ban in March 2004.