Alcohol, cigarettes and the law

Drinking or smoking? Make sure it's not illegal...

Article by : SpunOut.ie - Rating :

It's illegal for anyone under 18 to buy alcohol.
You must be at least 16 to work in a pub and a pub license holder can only employ someone between the ages of 16 and 18 if they are a relative or apprentice.
It's illegal for anyone under 18 to drink in a public place or pretend to be over 18 to get alcohol. Young people under 15 are only allowed into a bar during permitted hours if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
If you are over 18, it's illegal to buy alcohol for anyone under 18.
It's against the law to be drunk in a public place (that's anywhere outside your home).
A bar owner can't legally serve drink to anyone who's drunk.
It's illegal to buy or smoke cigarettes if you're under 18.
The Gardai can randomly breathalyse any driver stopped at an alcohol checkpoint at any time. If they test your urine or blood and find traces of drugs you can be arrested for drug driving.
The Gardaí and the Police can take alcohol off under 18s who are drinking in a public place. They can also contact their parents.
If you're planning to drink or take drugs, the safest way to avoid trouble is not to drive.

See the help section for supportive information and contacts details of support organisations.

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