Under 18s to be banned from bars after 9 p.m.

Under 18-year-olds will be banned from bars after 9 p.m. under a new law coming into force today.

From today, it will be compulsory for people aged between 18 and 20 to produce photographic identification, should they wish to enter a licenced premises after 9 p.m.

Acceptable documents include age cards issued by the Garda Síochána, passports, driving licences, national identity cards issued by EU member states, or a Northern Ireland electoral identity card.

If 18- to 20-year-olds are found in a bar after 9 p.m. without an age document, they may be fined up to €300.

Publicans may also look for proof of age at any other time of the day if they are not sure that the person is over 18.

Garda age cards are available from local Garda stations and cost €6.

Some publicans and hoteliers had opposed the restrictions on teenagers, saying they were anti-family and would affect the tourism industry. They said holidaymakers would no longer be able to go to a pub to listen to traditional music, or to have bar snacks, if a family member was under 18.

However, under 18-year-olds will be allowed on a licenced premises if they are attending a private function where a substantial meal is being served.

Today will also see the introduction of an earlier Thursday night closing time of 11.30 p.m.

The new measures are part of the Government clampdown on excessive drinking and are being introduced under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003.

Last month, "happy hours" were banned and entertainment during the 30 minutes drinking-up time was outlawed.

Publicans were also forbidden from engaging in promotional practices likely to encourage excessive drinking.

Since August, licensees who sell alcohol to a drunken person or allow drunkenness on their premises may be fined €1,500 for a first offence and €2,000 for a second one.

A person who is drunk on leaving a bar is presumed to have been drunk while on the premises, unless the contrary is proved.