[Press Release: March 11th, 2008]

Green Party Councillor calls for all Off-Licences in Bray to Join National Off-Licence Association

Green Party Councillor Caroline Burrell is calling on all Off-Licences in the town to join the National Off-Licence Association in a bid to help towards curbing over-consumption of alcohol particularly in relation to underage drinking.

At a Bray Joint Policing Committee held yesterday, it became clear that at present there is only one Off-Licence currently a member of the National Off-Licence Association. A well-presented report was made to the Committee by Anne-Marie Holland, a member of NOLA. It was explained how NOLA operates which includes a Responsible Trading Programme that each member must attend every two years in relation to Training, Education, Awareness, Age Limits and Trading Hours. They are kept informed by regular bulletins on any developments that occur in relation to the drinks industry. There are also Spot checks carried out on members to make sure they are adhering to the standards set down. Cllr. Burrell said, "What came across today during this Meeting is that there are many different policies and standards out there being operated by Off-Licences, Supermarkets, Retail Outlets and Petrol Stations is relation to the licencing, sale and consumption of Alcohol. It would be very beneficial for all Off-Licences in Bray to join this Association so that we have a more standardised and streamlined Policy in relation issue such as different trading hours are operated by each." NOLA members trade from 10.30 a.m. in the morning where as Supermarkets, Convenience stores & Petrol Stations can begin trading at 7.30 a.m. if serving food at their outlets. NOLA members also monitor their clients and if a situation occurs where a client has a drinking problem, refusal to serve may happen.

Many concerns were raised including the recent decision to allow advertisements of Alcohol inside premises such as Pubs, Supermarkets and Retail Outlets where these will be seen by under-18's, the fact that Licences do not have to be renewed annually, the legal age to serve differing between aged 18, 21 & 23 depending on the premises, and the fact that staff in some premises can be younger than the clientele they are serving which can lead to difficulties re refusal to serve etc. Planning Permission re these premises was also discussed in relation to the number of outlets in the town.

Bray Town Council is currently putting together a submission in relation to comments made at today's Meeting and submitting to the Dept. of Justice. An Advisory Group has recently been set up by the Dept. and will be looking at issues of concern such as:

  • the increase of the number of supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations with off-licences and the manner and conditions of sale of alcohol products in these outlets, including unit-cost selling and special promotions.
  • the increasing number of special exemption orders which permit longer opening hours which are obtained by licensed premises
  • the use, adequacy and effectiveness of existing sanctions and penalties, particularly those directed towards combating excessive and under-age alcohol consumption
Recently published figures show that there has been a 17% increase in alcohol consumption over the past 10 years and latest figures show a 35% increase in the number of off-licences from 2003 to 2005. "If current trends continue to rise re alcohol-related deaths, figures show that these will increase by 50% over the next 10 years unless we address this issue. I intend to request that this is put on the full Council's Agenda and ask for representation from the Vintner's Association and the Supermarkets in relation to this issue", concluded Cllr. Burrell.

For further information please contact:
Caroline Burrell on 086-314 0453; email: burrell@wicklowgreens.org