Meetings have now been held with representatives from the Alcohol and Drinks Industry, as well as the PSNI and follow the Minister’s announcement of an action plan to deal with young people’s alcohol misuse.
Speaking today, the Minster said: “Young people are continuing to put themselves at serious physical and mental harm from excessive alcohol consumption. They are storing up a life-time of health problems such as liver damage and increased risk of cancer, the emotional and mental consequences of alcohol misuse are considerable. Alcohol is also involved in one-third of suicides and is too often a factor in anti-social behaviour and violence.
“I have now had frank discussions with both the alcohol and drinks industry, and the PSNI, in relation to young people’s drinking. I want to ensure that we continue to drive this forward and the challenge for all of us is to ensure we are taking a tough and effective joined-up approach to this issue.
“We all recognise that the drinks industry, both producers and retailers, can play a key role in helping to address this issue and I intend to have further discussion with this group before the end of the summer.
“In some cases alcohol is cheaper to buy than a bottle of lemonade. This is totally unacceptable. Government cannot tackle this alone, parents and families must also act responsibly and take responsibility for their children’s drinking.”
Earlier this week, the Minister met with Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland to discuss how the Department could work in partnership with the PSNI, and other key stakeholders, to address young people’s drinking.
ACC McCausland welcomed the meeting, and said: “Underage drinking often leads to criminal damage, assault, and fear of crime for residents in areas subject to this kind of anti-social behaviour. It presents a significant issue to our local communities across Northern Ireland.
“However these issues cannot be resolved through police enforcement alone. This is why we were happy to accept the invitation from the Minister to discuss how a multi-agency approach can be developed.
“We support the development of an action plan and look forward to being part of its delivery.
“In the meantime, the PSNI will also be maintaining a visible presence this summer, working with partners to take a robust approach to tackling underage drinking through our Northern Ireland- wide initiative, Operation SNAPPER.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs (NSD), which was launched in 2006, identified addressing underage and binge drinking as key priorities. In relation to alcohol misuse, the approximate costs to Northern Ireland of excess alcohol consumption have been estimated at approximately £770million per annum. Under the NSD the Department of Health is now developing a cross-sectoral, multi-agency action plan to address young people’s drinking.
2. Binge drinking, (ie. adult males drinking five drinks or more and adult females drinking four drinks or more in a single session) is a particular feature of Northern Ireland’s drinking culture. Around 43% of men and 33% of women who drink, engage in at least one binge session per week.
3. Consequences of binge drinking can include:
- damage to brain cells;
- alcohol poisoning;
- a UK study in 2007 found that binge drinking in adolescence was associated with increased risk of health, social, educational and economic adversity continuing into later adult life;
- increased risk of high blood pressure, strokes, heart disease, some types of cancer, skeletal muscle damage,
- increased risk of violence, accidents and anti-social behaviour;
- increased risk taking behaviour, such as unsafe/unwanted sexual activity.
4. The meeting with the alcohol industry was held yesterday (Wednesday) and included representatives from:
- Northern Ireland Drinks Industry Group
- Federation of Retail Licensed Trade
- Northern Ireland Federation of Clubs
- Wine & Spirit Trade Association
- Northern Ireland Independent Retail Association
- Diageo NI
- Asda
- Tesco
- Musgrave Group
- Winemark/Russells Cellars
- Curleys
- Botanic Inns
- Wetherspoons
5. Operation SNAPPER is an acronym for ‘Support No Alcohol In Public Places Through Partnership Enforcement and Regulation’.
6. Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
