PRESS RELEASE – 06.02.06
Underage Drinking in Lurgan
Love for Life, along with Lurgan Catalyst Parent, have responded
to the Government’s proposed changes to liquor licensing laws in
Northern Ireland. Issues covered in the Government consultation
include opening hours of licensed premises, enforcement powers for
the police and regulations surrounding children and young people.
Dr Richard Barr, CEO of Love for Life, commented:
“ In our work with young people across Northern Ireland, we are
very aware of the problems and serious consequences of underage
drinking and the associated risk taking behaviours and again call
on Government to do more to address these dangerous patterns of
behaviour.”
“In particular, we believe that the proposed extension of opening
hours will not ‘promote more responsible behaviour’ as the
Government would suggest.”
In a short survey carried out by Love for Life on the High Street
of Lurgan, 100% of people asked believed there was a problem with
underage drinking in Lurgan and 47% of people correctly identified
11 years of age as being the average age for first alcoholic
drink.
Michele Wilkinson, Community Development Worker with Lurgan
Catalyst Parent, commented:
“Representatives from the community, including the churches, local
politicians, parents, community groups and local GPs, have spoken
out in support of our response and echoed our concerns over the
Government proposals.
“Greater enforcement of the current law is needed, particularly
with regard to the sale of alcohol to under-18’s, and there is
widespread support across Lurgan for a public campaign around the
danger and risks associated with underage drinking.”NOTES:
- Love for Life currently offers relationship and sexuality
education programmes to around 60% of secondary schools in
Northern Ireland and over 30,000 young people annually.
- Lurgan Catalyst Parent is a partnership of individuals,
groups and communities in the Lurgan area who are working
together to make it easier for children and young people to be
alcohol, drug and sex free.
- Department for Social Development: ‘Liquor Licensing – The
Way Forward. Government Proposals to Reform Liquor Licensing Law
in Northern Ireland. Consultation Document October 2005.’
- For further Information, please contact Olwyn at Love for
Life on 028 3882 0555
|
