Alcohol Concern response to ESPAD findings

14th December 2004

Geethika Jayatilaka, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Alcohol Concern, said:

?We?ve seen a worrying trend from this research which brings home just how big a problem alcohol misuse among UK teens really is.

"Low pricing, a lack of standardised proof of age schemes and poor enforcement makes it easy for unscrupulous retailers to sell to underage kids. This needs to change if we are to turn the tide in the longer term on problem drinking in young people.

"This is also the first time that young women?s binge drinking has overtaken young men?s and this is of particular concern. The Industry has developed new products which are low calorie for example - aimed at appealing particularly to this group and being marketed in an increasingly aggressive way. If we are serious about tackling alcohol misuse they must take some responsibility for helping to challenge unsafe drinking behaviour

"We also need better health messages about drinking which is not about changing morals or getting women back to the kitchen sink but gives us the information we need to drink enjoyably but safely.?

ENDS

Date: 14 December 2004