A supermarket in Co Kildare has been found to be in breach of the drinks industry's voluntary code by displaying sprits adjacent to soft drinks.
MEAS chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan
The Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (MEAS) upheld a customer's complaint against the Eurospar, Barnhall, that the display of alcohol could confuse pupils in the nearby school.
The panel also regarded the display of a "Kids Bench and Stool Set" promotion above the spirits display as inappropriate as it would clearly draw the attention of young children to the spirit products display.
According to the code, where coolers are used in stores, every reasonable effort must be made not to place alcoholic drinks and soft drinks in close proximity as this could cause confusion.
MEAS chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan said that "while the spirits products cannot be accessed by members of the public without the assistance of a store employee, the panel noted that the spirits display is adjacent to the soft drinks display and is highly visible, and is therefore technically in breach of the code".
Ms Sheehan said Meas was "very pleased" that the store has committed to addressing the recommendations of the panel.