Sealable bags for alcohol purchases introduced by Temple Bar Centra retailer

1 March 2009

A Dublin City Centre retailer, Centra in Temple Bar has come up with a novel way of doing its bit to continue the improvement of the image of the area by placing all alcohol purchased in the store in sealed bags. The move to introduce the sealed bags for an initial trial period of three months starting [insert start date here] will ensure that customers of Centra in Temple Bar understand that it is illegal to drink alcohol in public areas in Dublin City and encourage greater responsibility among those who purchase alcohol in the store. The introduction of this trial in one of Centra’s busiest city centre stores is part of the brands proactive response to the recent off-licence legislation and represents a real commitment on behalf of Centra to working with local Gardaí, industry and trading organisations.

The reputation of Temple Bar has improved considerably in recent years, much of it down to the hard work of key groups, organisations and individuals to highlight the area’s status as Dublin’s Cultural Quarter. Enda Martyn, owner of Centra in Temple Bar has been working closely with the Gardaí, TASCQ (Traders in the Area Supporting the Cultural Quarter), drinks companies, such as Diageo, and representative bodies encouraging responsible consumption of alcohol, such as MEAS to help develop Temple Bar’s reputation as an area which offers a vast and exciting range of cultural and social activities.  Addressing the purchase of alcohol is one of the ways in which store owners in Temple Bar can play their part in enhancing the reputation of the area.

This new store policy introduced by Centra in Temple Bar will be communicated to customers via an impactful poster design in the store’s off licence. The posters will also highlight to customers that if they drink alcohol in a public area Gardaí may confiscate their purchase and they may also face an on the spot fine or be prosecuted in the district court, something tourists, in particular, may not be aware of.

According to Inspector Daniel Flavin, “An Garda Siochána supports all positive initiatives that would lead to a more mature approach to alcohol consumption and a safer community for all. We have worked hard in recent years with groups and representatives bodies and organisations in the area to ensure the many cultural and social facilities Temple Bar has to offer are enjoyed by all. Simple initiatives like placing all alcohol purchased in stores in the area in sealed bags can only continue to enhance the image of Temple Bar among Dubliners and all visitors to the area."

According to Enda Martyn, Owner of Centra in Temple Bar, “As part of the Temple Bar community, we are delighted to be introducing our sealable bags on a trial basis in the store, to help do our bit to support the local community effort to make Temple Bar a safe place to live, work and socialise.  Temple Bar has so much to offer and is a vibrant and exciting part of Dublin City for both residents and visitors alike. It is important that we play our part in building the area’s growing reputation and placing all alcohol purchased in our store in sealed bags is one way in which Centra can play its part.”

Welcoming the initiative, Martin Harte, Director TASCQ, stated, “This initiative should be welcomed and encouraged and we would ask similar retailers in the city centre to follow the example provided by Centra Temple Bar.”
Commenting on the announcement by Centra Temple Bar, Jean Doyle, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Diageo, said, "Diageo Ireland is committed to promoting responsible drinking and providing consumers with relevant and timely information about alcohol consumption. This is a simple and worthwhile initiative by Centra Temple Bar. We believe it will continue to help enhance Temple Bar’s image and reputation and is to be welcomed."
For more information on Centra, visit www.centra.ie.

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For information:     
         
Neil O’Gorman / Sarah McDonnell
Bespoke Communications
T: (01) 4790525 I M: (087) 2077192 / (086) 8238229
E: neil@bespokecommmunications.ie / sarah@bespokecommunications.ie