Alcohol Concern responds to new AMEC figures revealing a high level of underage alcohol sales.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said: Alcohol poses a higher risk to the health of young people in both the short and long term and we need to keep children away from its effects.

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00:01 hrs, Thursday 12th October 2006


Alcohol Concern responds to new AMEC figures revealing a high level of underage alcohol sales.

Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said:

Alcohol poses a higher risk to the health of young people in both the short and long term and we need to keep children away from its effects. Selling alcohol to minors has been illegal for a long time and it is unacceptable that the practice remains a regular feature in our pubs and supermarkets. Weâ??re pleased that the government is taking this problem seriously.

We strongly support the fixed penalties introduced by the government, but also think managers need to provide more training and support for front-line staff if they are to identify and rebuff minors trying to buy alcoholic products.
Drinks companies have made some progress in cutting underage sales but as this new research makes clear, there is still a long way left to go. We hope this will provide the necessary impetus for a renewed focus on this critical problem.

ENDS

For more information please contact Frank Soodeen at the Alcohol Concern press office on 0207 395 4003.

Notes to editors

Alcohol Concern is the national agency working to reduce alcohol-related harm in society. We work to reduce the incidence and costs of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of alcohol services available to problem drinkers and their families.

Date: 13 October 2006