Age Verification and Minors
The legal position
The Intoxicating Liquor Act 2003 and related legislation set the minimum age for purchasing or consuming alcohol on licensed premises at 18. Candidates must know that it is an offence to sell or supply alcohol to a person under 18, to buy alcohol for a minor, and for a minor to purchase or consume. Know the defences available to licensees - principally that a valid age document was produced and the licensee reasonably believed the person was over 18 - and understand that the defence is fragile if staff did not actually check.
Accepted age documents
Ireland recognises the Garda National Age Card, a passport, a driving licence, and a European Union national identity card as acceptable evidence of age. Candidates should know the key features of each and how to check for tampering or forgery. A photocopy or a photograph of a document is not acceptable.
Traps to watch
A common trap is the 'looks old enough' defence - appearance alone is not sufficient. Another is assuming a person over 18 may buy alcohol for a younger friend; that is an offence. Watch for questions about persons under 18 on premises - the rules differ by time of day and by whether they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also note that a person who is 18 today was 17 yesterday: age must be verified, not assumed.
Rule of thumb
If in doubt, do not serve - ask for ID every time, and refuse politely if none is produced.