The National Off-Licence Association’s (NOffLA) third induction course for the "Responsible Trading in the Community" (RTC) accreditation scheme was held in October 2005 in the Lynch Green Isle Hotel, Dublin, 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. Previous induction courses for the scheme were held in 2002 and 2004. Delegates attending the seminar were participating in a self-regulating RTC Accreditation Scheme, which, in addition to demanding ID, includes allowing staff and premises to be randomly spot checked.

	Conference Speaker Line-Up (Left to right): • Richard Barry, NOffLA • John Shiel, Chairman, NOffLA • Peter McKimm, Chairman, Cider Industry Council • Lorraine Compton, Matheson Ormsby Prentice • Chris Fitzgerald, Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children • Inspector John Quirke, Licensing Inspector, Pearse Street Garda Station, Dublin

The RTC Accreditation Scheme is a means of formalising NOffLA’s commitment to responsible trading and to stamping out underage alcohol abuse in particular. The aim is to not only harness the collective influence of NOffLA members, but also the cooperation of all interested parties in the communities they serve, to deal with this important social issue.

At the latest induction course, NOffLA called for more support and cooperation from members of the public in the drive to tackle the ongoing problems of alcohol abuse and underage drinking in Ireland. Speaking at the seminar, NOffLA Chairman, John Shiel, called on the public at large to play a more active role in discouraging underage drinking. “Many adults, including a number of parents, do not take this problem seriously enough. Whether by setting an example by drinking responsibly themselves, or actively discouraging young people from regarding drunkenness as acceptable, our adult population can certainly be a far bigger influence on this issue than they have been to date. It is also time for generating greater awareness amongst young people themselves that they are responsible for their own actions and, in addition, for greater enforcement of the law in relation to drinking below the legal age," he stated.

"As a consequence of the Government’s inaction over the introduction of mandatory ID cards, the levels of underage drinking in Ireland are totally unacceptable and while the off-licensed trade has been very active in attempting to stamp out the problem, its efforts have been hampered by the absence of ID cards." According to Mr. Shiel, the introduction of a mandatory ID card system is the first, fundamental step in dealing with the problem.

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:

• Completion of a comprehensive Induction Course which, not only covers legal and legislative issues, but deals with enforcement of ID requirements, liaison with An Gardai and a study of the influences and possible solutions to underage drinking and alcohol abuse;
• An obligation to ensure that staff working in retail outlets are fully briefed on the law, on their responsibilities and on how to deal with attempts at underage or secondary purchasing;
• Training staff on “how to say NO to underage drinkers”;
• Participating outlets will be obliged to prominently display materials, highlighting the relevant section of the law dealing with the sale of alcohol to the underaged, and the penalties and consequences of being found to be in breach of the law;
• Members will also be obliged to participate in a self-policing initiative, which includes random spot checks ensuring compliance with the law.

Mr. Shiel stated that "through this RTC Accreditation 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 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.

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 2007. 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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