Alcohol Concern Welcomes Tough Government Stance on Underage Sales

3rd November 2005 - For Immediate Release

Responding to James Purnell's comments at the Publican Conference today, Srabani Sen, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern, said:

"We're pleased to hear the Minister taking such a tough line with licensees on underage sales. The Government's Summer Crackdown showed a massive 52% of targeted on-license premises, 36% of targeted off-licenses and 48% of targeted supermarkets serving alcohol to children - that is simply unacceptable and we're glad to see the government is taking this issue seriously.

We hope that pubs, bars, supermarkets and off-licenses sit up and take notice. With just 3 weeks left until the implementation of the new licensing laws, licensees need to start playing their part in reducing the damage done by alcohol misuse, and that absolutely has to involve a real commitment to not serving alcohol to underage drinkers."



ENDS


· A recent Department of Health report, Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use Amongst Young People in England 2004, showed that among pupils surveyed who had tried to buy alcohol in a pub or bar, 87% had succeeded on their most recent attempt, and 73% of those who had tried to buy alcohol in a shop had been similarly successful.

· For all enquiries or to speak to Srabani Sen, please contact the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk . For out of hours press enquiries, please call 07866 063013.

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and cost of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems and their families.

Date: 03 November 2005