ALCOHOL CONCERN RESPONDS TO LAUNCH OF NEW CROSS DEPARTMENTAL YOUTH ALCOHOL ACTION PLAN

Alcohol Concern Statement

Responding to plans laid out today by the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families to reduce underage alcohol misuse, Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern said:

"Alcohol Concern has consistently campaigned for the government to take stronger action to reduce the considerable levels of teenage alcohol misuse and its associated harms. This plan represents an excellent start. Parents should benefit from the plans to provide clearer advice on how to raise these issues with their children. We are also delighted to see that alcohol arrest referral pilots are to be extended to the under-18s.

Nevertheless, changing behaviour among the young towards alcohol is a long term project, requiring contributions from parents, government, the drinks industry, and youth providers. We will continue therefore to urge industry and the government to work towards reducing the cultural impact that alcohol advertising and promotion has on British children. We also hope that the central government departments will co-operate to look at how local agencies can be resourced sufficiently to deliver on this vital agenda."

Date: 02 June 2008