Youth alcohol strategy to tackle underage drinking
Cathy Wallace
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
The government has unveiled its latest weapons to crack down on drinking among young people with the launch of its Youth Alcohol Action Plan.
Parents will be given guidance from the chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, on how much their children should be drinking.
Guidelines will cover the age at which children and young people can start to drink, how much they should be drinking and how far parents should supervise their children’s alcohol intake.
New laws to stop young people drinking in public places will also be introduced, targeting those who are considered persistent drinkers. However, the government has not yet said how it would define a persistent drinker.
Jacqui Smith, Home Secretary, said: “Underage drinking erodes the safety and wellbeing of communities as well as damaging young people’s health. It’s not right and I am determined to put a stop to it.”
Under the plan bars and pubs will be expected to ask anyone who looks under 21 for proof that they are over 18.
There will also be a publicity campaign on the dangers of alcohol, aimed at 11- to 15-year-olds, and more work with the alcohol industry to encourage responsible marketing and promotion.
Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said: “We need to fundamentally influence young people’s behaviour and attitudes towards alcohol.”
