YOUNGSTERS caught underage drinking in Kirklees are to face a choice – a class or an ASBO.

Teenagers aged 13 and over caught boozing must either take part in a one-night course about the impact of alcohol or risk getting an anti-social behaviour order.

It’s good to see the authorities finally taking a tougher stance on underage drinking because it’s a huge problem.

All young people experiment with alcohol at some stage.

For some it’s a bit of fun. But for others, it can become a dangerous habit at an alarmingly young age – more and more children are being treated for alcohol-related illness and addiction.

Youngsters who regularly drink are also more vulnerable to becoming the victims – and perpetrators – of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Many young teenagers are unaware of the consequences alcohol can have on their lives and their health.

Perhaps ‘persuading’ them to hear the facts at a one-night class could prove an important eye-opener and steer them off a dangerous path.