No resolution on Patrick's Day alcohol sales

A meeting between the Lord Mayor of Dublin and drinks industry organisations regarding St Patrick's Day closures has ended without resolution.

The Lord Mayor Michael Conaghan had invited representatives from the off-licence and vintners trade to the Mansion House earlier today to discuss the possibility of preventing the sale of takeout alcohol before 6 p.m.

Chairman of the National Off-Licence Association Jim McCabe said his organisation had promised to reflect on the matter, but that the organisation could not force off-licences to close.

The proposed closure is an attempt by the Lord Mayor to curb the excessive drinking that usually marks St Patrick's Day. Last year's celebrations saw several violent incidents on Dublin's streets after the parade.

Cllr Conaghan believes the restrictions will help to avoid the festival becoming the "shambles" it was last year.

However, the drinks industry groups aren't convinced the blame lies at their door, saying that it was up to the individuals to regulate their own behaviour. "What upset us was that the mayor seemed to be blaming the off-licences for what happened last year," said Mr McCabe.

He warned against bringing in what he described as "prohibition" for the day, saying that people who wanted to get their hands on alcohol would do so anyway. He pointed out that Holy Thursday and Christmas Eve are the busiest days for the trade, as pubs and off-licences are closed the following days.

"The law says we can't sell to people who are drunk, under 18 or allow drinking outside our premises," Mr McCabe explained. "Rest assured that 99 per cent of all off-licences don't want to break that law."

The Licensed Vintners' Association declined to comment.