A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL was able to buy drink from four off-licences in Co Louth last December, Drogheda District Court heard yesterday.
The teenager was taking part in a Garda clampdown on underage drink sales and had been accompanied by a garda in plain clothes.
Sgt Donal McGivern said he saw the girl buy a six-pack of Heineken at the Topaz filling station, Mell, Drogheda on December 9th last.
The sergeant said the teenager had been asked her age when she bought a can of Bulmers at the Esso filling station, North Road, Drogheda, on the same date.
He said she had told the attendant she was 15 years of age but he still sold the drink to her.
The court heard the attendant, who was dismissed the next day, told his boss he thought the girl was only joking about her age.
Sgt McGivern told the court he had witnessed the girl buy a bottle of Bacardi Breezer without being challenged at Victory’s Centra store in Dunleer on December 10th, while she had bought a bottle of WKD from Brian Reynolds filling station, Ballymakenny Road, Drogheda on the same date.
The court heard that in all cases new procedures had been put in place by the retailers and gardaí had again inspected the premises to prevent a repeat.
Judge Flann Brennan applied the Probation Act after each of the retailers made contributions of €2,000 or more to local charities, including a number dealing with drug and alcohol abuse and those working with young people.
The judge warned the retailers about their future conduct and said he would not be as lenient if they were caught again. A case of underage selling at Dunnes Stores, West Street, Drogheda, on December 9th, 2011, was adjourned after a barrister for the company requested that the teenage girl give evidence to the court.
Sgt McGivern said that under the force’s guidelines gardaí do not bring test purchasers to court to give evidence unless directed by a judge. The judge directed that the girl should appear, and put the case back to January 25th.
Two years ago, the government introduced the scheme whereby gardaí are allowed use children aged 15, 16 or 17 in undercover sting operations against pubs and off-licences they suspect may be selling alcohol to under-18s.
Under the guidelines, a parent or guardian must give written consent for the child to take part in the operation and special measures must be taken to ensure the child comes to no harm.
Premises found selling alcohol to children face the threat of having their drinks licence endorsed or possible closure.