Pubs and nightclubs must refrain from irresponsible drinks promotions and improve security – Byrne

Fine Gael Dublin South Central TD, Catherine Byrne, has today (Tuesday) called on the pub and nightclub industry to act responsibly in their promotion of events to young people. Deputy Byrne’s call comes in the wake of an incident on Harcourt Street last night which left a number of young people injured.

“The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s (ASAI) Code states that marketing for alcoholic drinks must be socially responsible, and should not exploit the young or the immature. It also clearly states that alcohol marketing should not promote excessive drinking.

“The promotion of nightclub events to young college students as ‘Messy Mondays’ is clearly in contravention of this Code, encouraging as it does excessive drinking by young people. The pub and nightclub industry must pay heed to the ASAI’s Code and act responsibly in the promotion of events.

“Nightclubs must also take the health and safety of their patrons more seriously and invest in sufficient security outside their premises when they are hosting large events. The situation which developed on Harcourt Street last night was completely unacceptable, leaving a number of young people seriously injured.

“I have heard anecdotally that nightclubs sometimes admit too many people on busy nights, leading to huge crowds inside their premises. This presents an obvious risk to young people who should be entitled to enjoy their night out in safety.”

ENDS