The National Off-Licence Association’s (NOffLA) second induction course for the "Responsible Trading in the Community" (RTC) accreditation scheme was held in June 2004 in Citywest Hotel and proved to be a great success. Sponsored by the Cider Industry Council, the scheme has generated extremely positive feedback from NOffLA members and has been applauded as a practical and worthwhile response to the problem of underage drinking. The first induction course was held in 2002.

Pictured at a training seminar for NOffLA members seeking Responsible Trading in the Community (RTC) Accreditation, where a new Age Awareness poster was launched, supporting the call for Mandatory ID and sponsored by the Cider Industry Council, were: Left to Right: • Sarah Hughes (aged 17) • Helen Smith (aged 17) • Emily McClave (aged 17). All of whom pass for 20 years of age and holding fake ID. • John Shiel, Chairman of NOffLA.

Conference Speaker line-up: Left to Right: • Chris Fitzgerald, Principal Officer of the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health and Children; • John Shiel, Chairman of NOffLA; • Mr Helmut Wagner, Director of The Amsterdam Group; • Superintendent Vincent McGuire, Director of the National Juvenile Office of An Garda Siochana; • Martin Moran, legal adviser; • Peter McKimm, Chairman of the Cider Industry Council.

On the day of the first induction course, NOffLA Chairman John Shiel spoke of NOffLA’s determination to deal with underage drinking: "The National Off-Licence Association has for many years been to the forefront in initiating measures to tackle the underage drinking problem in Ireland, such as through highlighting the need for proper ID cards and supporting the work of the Garda Siochana in this area. Our Association members are not in the business of selling alcohol to under-eighteens or of supplying them through secondary purchases. This new RTC Accreditation Scheme is a means of formalising our commitment to responsible trading and to stamping out underage alcohol abuse in particular. Our aim is to not only harness the collective influence of our members, but also the cooperation of all interested parties in the communities we serve, to deal with this important social issue."

John Shiel went on to explain that to qualify for RTC accreditation, "NOffLA members will be required to satisfy a number of criteria which will be strictly enforced and which will, in turn, act as a deterrent to young people and those acting irresponsibly on their behalf." The criteria for accreditation are as follows »

Speaking at the second Induction Course in 2004, Mr. Shiel stated that “through this RTC Accrediation Scheme, we are sending a clear message that NOffLA members will not tolerate underage purchases. Similarly we will not accept the practice of adults making purchases on behalf of underage drinkers and we will continue to report offenders to the Gardai, in every instance. We need support, however, and the the best way to help us is through the introduction of a mandatory age card, that uses the most modern technology, in an effort to overcome the problem of fake IDs,” he said.

Mr. Peter McKimm, Chairman of the Cider Industry Council (CIC), which sponsors the scheme, said that the demand for mandatory ID should be promoted through the display of the special awareness posters that the CIC has produced for off-licence outlets. “The poster includes photographs of four teenagers, aged 17, and one 20-year old and it poses the question Which of these people is over 18?. This will help to raise awareness of the problems facing the industry and will encourage responsible adults to carry identification and support our call for mandatory ID,” he said.

Notice to Off-Licences

Off-licences who have committed to RTC are subject to random spot checks, to certify that they are adhering to the ethos of Responsible Trading in the Community and to help ensure that an effective and credible programme is in place.

Off-Licences who fail to demand identification from personnel of questionable age will not be granted accreditation. Off-Licences who have failed spot checks will be informed by post and additional spot checks will be carried out on their premises to meet the accreditation standards.

RTC Accreditation will be an important benefit in highlighting the significance which NOffLA members attach to running their businesses professionally and responsibly. Members achieving accreditation will be entitled to display a certificate and to use this for promotional purposes or as reinforcement of their commitment to trading responsibly in their community (e.g. in communication with local residents groups, schools, Gardai, etc.).

To date, 45 off-licences nationwide have been accredited with RTC certification, with the same number seeking accreditation in Phase Two of the scheme.

NOffLA is the representative body for over 300 off-licences nationwide and aims to have all members accredited to RTC by 2005. NOffLA members seeking further information, or who wish to apply for RTC Accreditation, should contact:

Ms. Reggie Walsh, National Off-Licence Association, 1-3 Sandford Road, Ranelagh, Dublin 6.

Tel: 01-4979286. Email: rtc@noffla.ie.

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