Police target Neston adults buying alcohol for youths

Apr 2 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Neston News

ADULTS who buy alcohol for under-age drinkers in Neston are being targeted by police.

Officers are working with shops to prevent the sale of alcohol to young people and using CCTV to identify individuals.

The move comes as shocking figures released last week show teenagers in the North West are drinking the equivalent of 44 bottles of wine or 177 pints of beer a year each.

The figures, which relate to 15-16 year-olds, stem from a report into under-age alcohol intake and violence, produced by the Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, Trading Standards North West and the Home Office.

Sergeant Carlos Brunes said: “Many of the problems with anti-social behaviour and young people are linked to the consumption of alcohol.

“We have to consider where these youngsters are getting their booze.

“Police and licensing officials have worked hard with shops in the area to help prevent the sale of alcohol to young people and, via the ArcAngel campaign, we have been able to make good inroads into this type of purchase.

“But alcohol is still making its way out onto the streets and adults have to start taking some responsibility.”

The Centre for Public Health report, which stems from a study of 9,833 youngsters, also said that of 190,000 15s-16s, 57,000 binge drink by taking five or more drinks in one session.

Prof Mark Bellis, co-author of the report and director of the Centre for Public Health, said: “Sadly, there is still practically no information publicly available on what is a safe amount of alcohol for children to consume or on how parents can best moderate their children’s drinking.”

Sergeant Brunes added: “We are currently compiling CCTV evidence of individuals who have bought alcohol and then passed it on to children.

“When they are identified we will not hesitate in taking action.”

If you know of someone who is supplying children with alcohol call Ellesmere Port and Neston Neighbourhood Policing Unit on 0845 458 6373.