ACS Welcomes Balance in Youth Alcohol Action Plan
02 Jun 2008
ACS has welcomed the publication of the Youth Alcohol Action Plan.
The Plan outlines work in four areas:
1. Young People - For the first time there will be targeted education and information specifically about alcohol for children.
2. Parents - Government will be consulting on and publishing guidelines for parents on how to introduce their children to alcohol. If there are persistent problems there will be greater use of parenting contracts and parenting orders.
3. Young People Drinking on the Streets - The Home Office expand the use of confiscation and dispersal powers, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and ASBOs. They will also legislate and create a new offence of persistent possession for youths who frequently cause problems.
4. Industry - Both the Home Office and Local Authorities will continue with test purchasing.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman said: “The Government’s broadening of focus to also look at education and enforcement against those who perpetrate alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour is welcome and is exactly what we have been calling for. Parents, police, local authorities and retailers can all be part of the solutions to these problems.
“Our sector is keen to play its part, and the development of the Challenge 21 message, the issuing of 1.7m proof of age cards through CitizenCard, the creation of the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and the continual promotion of best practice, are all evidence of the positive role the retail industry is already playing. We will continue to work with the Government to tackle these issues.”
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Julie Kirby Grappa PR
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Download the full report: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/youthalcohol/
The Plan outlines work in four areas:
1. Young People - For the first time there will be targeted education and information specifically about alcohol for children.
2. Parents - Government will be consulting on and publishing guidelines for parents on how to introduce their children to alcohol. If there are persistent problems there will be greater use of parenting contracts and parenting orders.
3. Young People Drinking on the Streets - The Home Office expand the use of confiscation and dispersal powers, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and ASBOs. They will also legislate and create a new offence of persistent possession for youths who frequently cause problems.
4. Industry - Both the Home Office and Local Authorities will continue with test purchasing.
ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman said: “The Government’s broadening of focus to also look at education and enforcement against those who perpetrate alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour is welcome and is exactly what we have been calling for. Parents, police, local authorities and retailers can all be part of the solutions to these problems.
“Our sector is keen to play its part, and the development of the Challenge 21 message, the issuing of 1.7m proof of age cards through CitizenCard, the creation of the Proof of Age Standards Scheme and the continual promotion of best practice, are all evidence of the positive role the retail industry is already playing. We will continue to work with the Government to tackle these issues.”
Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001
Michael Saxton/ Julie Kirby Grappa PR
020 7602 9222
Notes to Editors:
1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,000 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. Download the full report: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/publications/youthalcohol/