ACS

Local shops have welcomed the Department for Children Schools and Families initiative to educate young people against underage drinking. The new measures including a national football tournament, best practice guide for local authorities and money to enforce new police powers.

However, ACS has sounded a note of caution about new funding for enforcement measures targeted at shops included in the announcement.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “We welcome Government action aimed at changing young people’s drinking habits. Funding for activities and new resources to educate parents are all steps in the right direction.”

“We have urged Ministers to prevent the extra money being used to fund additional test purchasing campaigns instead we need a more inclusive approach. Actions will only be successful if local shops are seen as a partner in the solution and not simply a target for enforcement. ”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 533009/ 07921 372978
Chris Noice Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.

2. New Police powers introduced under the Policing and Crime Bill include powers to confiscate alcohol from under-18s and disperse under-age drinkers from an area where they are drinking or behaving anti-socially. There are also new regulations introducing a “two strikes” rule against licensees who are proved to have sold to those under age.

3. ACS is part of the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) which created Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs). These schemes look at tackling problem drinking through partnership working and education.