Businesses in Dublin have called on the Government to introduce community courts to tackle anti-social behaviour.
They say the Minister for Justice should move on the issue to counter 'lager lout' behaviour on the streets of the capital.
Last year the National Crime Council recommended the introduction of community courts in Ireland. Already established in a number of American cities, they are described as an example of 'problem solving justice' to deal with minor crimes.
The initiative would see people found guilty of offences like disorderly conduct, assault, criminal damage or petty theft, doing community service work or taking classes to help them address their behaviour.
The Dublin City Business Association says that Minister Brian Lenihan needs to examine the potential benefits of such a move. It says anti-social behaviour is 'spiralling out of control'.
The organisation says that while Dublin city centre is perceived as safe during the day, this is not the case at night time.
This perception causes a reduction in the number of people on the streets and has a knock-on effect on businesses in the area.
DCBA Chairman, Basil Good, says the Government has to look at solutions that would have a long term benefit. He says community courts would benefit the general public as well as helping reduce the number of offences they are set up to address.
