The chairman of the National Off-Licence Association has invited the Minister for Justice to introduce measures to curb the sale of alcohol on St Patrick's Day in an effort to avert public disorder.
John Shiel said public disorder due to the drunkenness, particularly underage drinking, warranted legislation "rather than voluntary measures" as "the only effective way" to combat it.
He was speaking in response to calls by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and the St Patrick's Day organising committee for all off-licences to remain closed until 6pm on the national holiday.
"In recent years, especially since the introduction of the St Patrick's Day Festivals, there have been many instances of public disorder in certain areas due to over consumption of alcohol", said Mr Shiel.
"The National Off Licence Association, and its 330 independent, specialist off -licences throughout the country, welcomes and fully supports any initiatives that will help combat underage drinking and the abuse of alcohol."
Mr Shiel said his association's members could be relied upon to "co-operate fully" with any new initiative.
Mr Shiel emphasised that the availability of drink had been greatly increased with the proliferation of outlets such as pubs and convenience stores selling alcohol.
"It is consequently no longer meaningful to expect voluntary measures to curb the sale of alcohol early on St Patrick's Day to be effective", said Mr Shiel.
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