New Fixed Charge Fines For Alcohol-Related Offences

These provisions allow for the issue of fixed charge notices for the offences of intoxication in a public place and disorderly conduct in a public place, which are offences under sections 4 and 5 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

Under the Regulations, if a member of An Garda Síochána is of the opinion that a person has committed one of these offences, they may serve a fixed charge notice. 

The notice offers the person the option of paying a fixed charge (€140 in respect of disorderly conduct in a public place and €100 in respect of intoxication in a public place) instead of being prosecuted for the offence.

The Minister said:  "These provisions form part of measures which I have introduced to deal with the public order problems caused by alcohol abuse. 

"They provide An Garda Síochána with another tool in enforcing the provisions of the law designed to deal with the public disorder consequences of such abuse. 

"They will lead to a more efficient and effective use of Garda resources and avoid court proceedings for less serious public order offences."