Teen binge drinking 'crackdown' faces criticism

Children's Secretary Ed Balls launched a £1.4m "crackdown" on teenage summer binge drinking, in a response to feedback from police and youth services who say alcohol remains a major factor influencing low-level youth crime.

"We are determined to keep up the pressure on local areas so that they crackdown on teenage drinking at all times, but especially during the summer months," said Balls.

"Some areas are better than others at using enforcement powers - but we know with the right combination of tough action on unacceptable or illegal behaviour, and support and prevention for young people at risk of getting into trouble, areas can make real progress tackling this complicated and difficult problem," he added.

But a YWCA spokeswoman said the organisation is concerned that a "get tough" approach could produce a rebellious reaction among teenagers.

"Until the wider issue of tackling the risible lack of facilities and root causes of young women's drinking is addressed there will be an over-reliance on punitive measures that label young people and won't act as a deterrent," she said.

Eric Carlin, chair of the Drug Education Forum, welcomed any efforts to reduce young people being harmed by alcohol but also said they "must be about prevention as well as enforcement".

"We urge the government to make sure that there is proper evaluation of the scheme and to ensure that what happens this summer is followed up by education and support in the autumn," he added.

The new intiative will see children's services and police work together to stop and prevent alcohol influenced antisocial behaviour in 69 youth crime priority areas.