A new organisation set up to tackle irresponsible drinking has doubts over Government proposals to deal with the problem.
Plans to introduce a new age-card were a "half-baked" measure, according to Ms Fionnula Sheehan, of Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society (MEAS).
She urged the Government to "upgrade" the welfare services card as a more effective and practical age-card within 12 months.
Ms Sheehan said while MEAS, a drinks industry-financed initiative, broadly welcomed the purpose of the Draft Intoxicating Liquor Bill, it had reservations about some aspects. The barring of children in premises licensed to sell alcohol after 8 p.m. might be "another unenforceable piece of legislation".
Ms Sheehan was speaking at the launch of a booklet of pointers for parents on alcohol abuse among teenagers, which advises a "moderate and balanced approach" to the problem.
Shecalled for more individual responsibility on the issue, saying MEAS planned to extend its campaign beyond under-age drinking to target the 18-24 year bracket.
The drinks industry had committed a "high six-figure sum" to the encouragement of these initiatives through MEAS in the first year, according to Ms Sheehan.
Steps must be taken to try to ensure "non-alcoholic beverages be more appropriately priced".
Copies of the booklet will be distributed to GPs, parents' organisations and all schools at the beginning of the autumn term.
The Minister for Education, Mr Dempsey, welcomed the publication as it promoted "family-school collaboration" which is "essential" to address the "serious issue of alcohol abuse".