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Because of the issues surrounding young people and alcohol, enforcement of the laws governing these matters are now more rigidly enforced than they ever have been. As we have said, there is a clear connection between youth alcohol, anti social behaviour and crime. To tackle the problems at their source various agencies are now taking a pro-active stance to prevent underage drinking. Many Police Forces run dedicated anti alcohol patrols during school summer holidays and visit places where young people gather. If the Police find alcohol they have the power to seize it from underage drinkers.

Trading Standards Departments now run covert test purchase campaigns to ensure shops with licences to sell alcohol don't sell it those under age and most public houses will require formal identification from anyone whom the bar staff suspect may not be 18.

For someone under the age of 18, drinking at home, or at a friend's house is not illegal, and a parent or guardian can give their child some of their own alcohol. As with many things in life there are wider issues here and some people say that children shouldn't be given alcohol, full stop. Others however feel that a supervised introduction to alcohol in a home environment and under parental supervision will lead to the child developing a mature and responsible attitude in later life. Both arguments have their supporters and detractors and it boils down to an individual parent’s choice as to how they want their child to learn about alcohol.

As far as the law is concerned, it is an offence:

• for someone under 18 to buy alcohol, attempt to buy alcohol or to be sold alcohol in any circumstances for an adult to buy or attempt to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18.
• to sell alcohol to someone under 18.
• for someone under 18 to consume alcohol on licensed premises. (Someone aged 16 or over may drink beer, wine or cider on licensed premises, providing they are accompanied by an adult and that the alcohol is drunk with a table meal.)
• if an adult purchases alcohol for someone under 18, except as described above.
• to be drunk in charge of a child under seven in a public place or on licensed premises

For more information on alcohol, young people and the law, visit the Government's website at www.direct.gov.uk