Targeting of underage drinking continues
14 November 2008
Harlow is taking positive steps to reduce under-age drinking in the wake of shocking Government statistics which reveal that 13 children a day are admitted to hospital in the UK as a result of drinking alcohol.
The Harlow Community Alcohol Partnership Campaign was launched earlier this year and involves Harlow Council, Essex County Council Trading Standards officers and Essex Police. The partnership have embarked on of a series of initiatives which targets under age drinkers on the streets of Harlow, as well as rogue traders who sell alcohol to under-18s, and those that purchase alcohol on their behalf.
The campaign is supporting the Government-backed Challenge 21 Scheme, which encourages shopkeepers to challenge anyone who looks under 21 to prove that they are over 18.
Over the last few months, the Partnership has been contacting all off sales premises to educate them about the law relating to alcohol sales. It has and is continuing to test all the premises by sending people who have just turned 18 into stores to attempt to buy alcohol in order to see which shopkeepers check their ID before selling them drink.
Councillor Nick Churchill, Chairman of the Council's Licensing Committee said: "The law relating to sales of alcohol is very rigorous and the main principle is that alcohol must not be sold to, delivered to, or supplied to anyone under 18.
"Both the licensee and the sales assistant may commit offences and should an illegal sale be made, the licence itself could be in jeopardy."
The partners are also approaching the problem from the other side by visiting the places that young people sit and drink with the Police confiscating their alcohol and establishing how they obtained it, in a scheme codenamed Operation Nano.
Operation Nano has been operating for around 18 months and during that time, substantial quantities of alcohol have been confiscated and destroyed.
Since August this year, youngsters who have been caught with alcohol in their possession have found themselves subject to the partnership's Red and Yellow Card Scheme.
The first time under-18s are caught with alcohol, letters are sent to their parents. Being caught a second time results in a 'yellow card' and a third offence produces a 'red card' - both of which have more serious consequences.
Nick Churchill said: "Government statistics show that thirteen children a day are admitted to hospital as a result of drinking alcohol.
"There are also strong associations between alcohol consumption and accidents involving young people, especially road accidents and underage drinking can lead to excessive drinking later in life, which is why it is essential to nip
this in the bud early.
"We encourage members of the public to work with us on this important challenge by reporting incidents of under age drinking. Action will be taken on intelligence gathered from the public and by standing together we can keep our children safe from the harm of alcohol."
Purchasing alcohol under 18 is illegal. Purchasing alcohol on behalf of a person under 18 is also illegal and can result in an £80 on-the-spot fine and or a fine of up to £5000 if goes to court.
If you are aware of children buying alcohol, having alcohol purchased on their behalf or drinking in public places, please report this to Harlow Council's dedicated Anti Social Behaviour hotline 'It's Your Call' 0845 605 2222 , or call Harlow Police on 0300 333 4444 or Contact Harlow on 01279 446655.