Adolescents Anonymous

Dec 15 2008 by Andrew Baldwin, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ONE of the very first statements of intent from Gordon Brown as Prime Minister was a crackdown on binge drinking.

He’s got many other things on his mind right now, but the menace of booze Britain is still all too prevalent.

With this thought, we must give a welcome today to the news that a £10,000 award has been made to the Kirklees project Adolescents Anonymous.

This fine project targets 11-14-year-olds and has the aim of increasing knowledge and understanding of alcohol and the promotion of sensible drinking among young people.

It deals with issues such as the effects of parental drinking on the family, peer pressure, cultural influences, anti-social behaviour and problem drinking.

NHS research shows that alcohol is 65% more affordable than it was more than a generation ago.

Apart from the health risks, costing billions, and the personal tragedy caused by increased mortality rates, alcohol abuse is related to 45% of all crime, including tens of thousands of driving and violence offences.

Overall, alcohol linked crime costs the UK £7.3bn in policing.

Clearly, decisive action is required. Alcohol should also carry compulsory health warnings.

In addition, trading standards need even tougher powers for spot fines, confiscating alcohol, and closing down premises which flout the law.

Most importantly, irresponsible stores and pubs need to be reigned in.