The Irish Prime Minister, Bertie Ahern, called on the industry representatives at the European Brewery Convention in Dublin to stop making and trading in alcopops and other sweet alcoholic shots, in order to reduce binge drinking among the youth, Irish news media report. While pointing out that his government has no power to outlaw those beverages, and praising the industry's recent initiatives to promote sensitive drinking, Mr Ahern asked the industry to take "its social responsibility seriously" by agreeing on a voluntary ban on "shot-type drinks or sweet fruit alcoholic drinks which are clearly targeted at young people".

20 May, 2003