Comment: Tough line

Nov 6 2008 by Val Javin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

DRINKING to excess is something that has long blighted our society.

From tomorrow, a new initiative begins which sees Neighbourhood Policing Teams out and about in communities taking a tougher line on any youngsters that they find drinking underage. And on any licensees who serve them.

Under 18s caught drinking in the streets will be taken home and given a choice. Go on a course which will present them with the stark realities of just what damage alcohol can do both to people and places or be arrested and face an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.

For those who think that this is just another softly, softly approach to a big social problem, look again.

Presenting those who drink to excess at any age with the realities of what their behaviour can do to themselves and to other people is surely one of the strands needed to change that behaviour.

Targeting this kind of education at underage drinkers seems to be a good place to start – and if it changes habits at that point, how about rolling it out to the over 18s?