Call for ban on non-alcoholic drinks in Kildare's public spaces
Photo is for illustrative purposes only
THERE has been calls for measures to restrict the consumption of 0.0% alcohol-branded drinks in Kildare's public spaces as well as the marketing of such beverages, arguing that they expose minors to alcohol marketing.
Cllr Rupert Heather brought forward a motion at the most recent meeting of Kildare County Council proposing that the council recognises that “in line with the spirit and intent of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018, recognises the need to protect minors from exposure to alcohol branding, including indirect promotion through shared branding of 0.0% alcohol products".
The Public Health Act introduced stricter rules around the sale of alcohol with the aim of reducing alcohol consumption in Ireland. It set a minimum price per gram of alcohol and introduced a requirement for alcohol products to include health warnings, amongst other measures.
Cllr Heather further proposed that the council extends existing alcohol byelaws in council-operates spaces to include 0.0% drinks.
Cllr Chris Pender seconded the motion.
The council’s director of services for corporate and cultural services Joe Boland said that the council cannot legally implement the motion. The report explained that the council already has bye-laws in place which apply to consumption and possession of alcohol in public places such as roads and areas taken in charge by the council.
The report clarified that the bye-laws do not cover products marketed as non-alcoholic or 0.0% alcohol. It said that the council has no legal role in regulating alcohol advertising or branding, including branding linked to alcohol-free products.
The report also noted that in 2021 and 2022 the council worked with Gardaí and councillors to identify problem locations, leading to the installation of targeted signage covering alcohol offences and littering. This collaboration and targeting continues.
The report suggested that the council engage with gardaí to review the identification of black spots and to review “the condition, visibility and effectiveness of existing signage”.
Another suggestion made was to refer the matter to the Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP).
It was agreed to refer the matter the LCSP after the cllr Heather requested that they do so.
