According to research, 10% of 12-15 year-old drinkers say they buy their own alcohol. 63% of 16-17 year-olds have bought their own alcohol in pubs, nightclubs and bars. A survey of underage binge drinkers aged between 14-17 asked teenagers what problems their binge drinking had led to. Answers included unsafe sex, injury, drug taking, involvement in dangerous driving and problems with the police.
Dover District Council, South Kent Police and the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust launched a campaign in February 2008 to raise awareness of the issues of underage drinking and to tackle its effects. The campaign is funded by the Respect Youth Taskforce, ECKPCT and the Home Office. It also forms part of the nationwide Home Office campaign to tackle underage drinking. The campaign across Dover District is being coordinated by the recently launched joint Community Safety Unit.
The campaign comprises education, diversion and enforcement. Extensive publicity has been given through newspaper and radio advertisements, leaflets and posters to raise awareness.
The education aspect has been designed to raise knowledge, particularly amongst our young people, of the potentially long-term adverse effects the abuse of alcohol can have. We are also raising awareness with parents/ carers who should be aware of where their children are and what they are doing. The enforcement aspect aims to target and prosecute those who breach the law by supplying alcohol to those who are underage.
For further advice on underage drinking log on to www.truthaboutbooze.co.uk.
To report drink litter, please call DDC Waste Services on 01304 821199,
or to report underage drinking call the Community Safety Hotline on 01304 872220.
Email: pr@dover.gov.uk
