ACS

ACS has welcomed the publication of the Youth Alcohol Action Plan. The cross-departmental Plan has been billed as a comprehensive way to stop young people drinking in public, help them make the right decisions about alcohol and provide clear information to parents and young people about the risks of early drinking.

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.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said: “Tougher enforcement powers are needed to tackle under-age binge drinking but enforcement measures alone are not the solution. We need a culture change about drinking with everyone from parents, the alcohol industry and young people all taking more responsibility.”

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said that underage drinking erodes the safety and well-being of communities, and threatens the health of young people who binge drink. 'It’s not right and I am determined to put a stop to it,' she said. 'Alongside new measures to help police to take action against one-off offenders and put them back on the right track, I will introduce brand new legislation designed to tackle under-18s who won’t change their ways.

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.”