Cider Industry Council, a guide about alcohol and young people

Message from the Council's Chairman continued

The Cider Industry Council was formed in 1988 and comprises the main manufacturers, distributors and marketers of cider in Ireland.

One of the objectives of the Cider Industry Council is to help tackle the issue of underage drinking, which is a major problem in Ireland.


The Cider Industry Council has employed a number of methods aimed at attempting to tackle the issue and in this regard, has facilitated a number of groups and associations in furthering their own initiatives. The Council has:

	worked with An Garda Siochana in producing videos for schools

	developed information packs for parents and teachers

	produced posters for traders in support of the Voluntary Age Card

	sponsored school talks and seminars for parents and teachers

	worked with groups such as the National Parents Council and the Teacher's Union of Ireland in undertaking research on the issue

	undertaken numerous research studies

Studies and research have revealed that underage drinking is a very complex issue with an infinite number of causes and effects. This website does not propose to solve the problem, but will serve as a guideline for parents, guardians and teachers in approaching and dealing with the problem in a pragmatic and constructive way. The Cider Industry Council welcomes many of the educational strategies developed by the Ministers for Health and Children, Justice and Education with regard to underage drinking, and applauds the various campaigns undertaken by their Departments. The Council, in addition to a number of other organisations, continues to support the view that a mandatory Age Card should become an integral part of Ireland's strategy to deal with underage drinking. Peter McKimm Chairman.

Cider Industry Council, 3-4 Merrion Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Tel: 01-6694900, Fax: 01-6694907