69% of Irish 16 and 17-year olds have admitted to underage drinking, and in a response, the Irish government is issuing a voluntary tamper-proof ID card, with plans to eventually make it compulsory.

Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society chief executive Fionnuala Sheehan explains “There is little doubt that a national compulsory Age Card scheme would help reduce the problem of underage drinking. It would certainly help pubs and off-licence premises to properly police the underage drinking law, and it would also help parents in addressing issues around alcohol with their teenage children."
In addition to helping bars and clubs enforce regulations involving underage drinking, the card is also approved by an overwhelming majority of parents (nearly 80%). The card will have several secure, tamper-proof features like holograms and a magnetic stripe. Government-specific ID Card Systems will easily print these secure cards, allowing parents peace of mind when their children go out with friends.
Read more at the Irish Examiner…