Shame of the young binge drinkers

UNDERAGE drinking is still a major problem in Warrington – with 30 per cent of 14-17 year-olds admitting they binge drink at least once a week.
Another 23 per cent say they drink at least once a week and over a third say they have drunk alcohol in licensed premises.
Some 35 per cent of 14-17 year-olds admit to drinking in streets and parks and there are high levels of young people being admitted to hospital for drink related problems.
Alcohol consumption and related harm are higher in the North West than for England as a whole and are higher still in Warrington, according to a report to the borough council’s Neighbourhood and Communities Overview and Scrutiny committee.
The report outlines work currently being undertaken by the Youth Service and other partners to tackle underage drinking.
A survey of adults’ views on the problem of underage drinking also makes disturbing reading.
Nearly 80 per cent think the number of children drinking in the streets is a problem. Some 62 per cent avoid the town centre because of drunken behaviour – and 63 per cent feel action needs to be taken to tackle drink related behaviour in local areas.
But there is evidence that some initiatives are working.
Level 1 “Parent Alert” letters are sent to the parents of all young people by with alcohol by police and more than 340 were sent out last year. Level 2 letters are sent for repeat offences and less than 20 were sent.
“This suggests that for the majority of young people this initiative is proving effective,” says the report.
Trading Standards say there has been an 18 per cent drop in the number of young people claiming to buy alcohol over the period 2005-2009.
The report adds: “Underage drinking is undoubtedly an issue in Warrington and much activity is being undertaken to address it.
“The robust partnership approach taken under Warrington Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy and the Young People’s Substance Misuse Plan ensure that a wide range of interventions are taking place in a co-ordinated manner. There is still much work to do however.”