The meetings are part of the process to develop a cross-sectoral, integrated action plan on the issue.
Speaking yesterday following a meeting with Justin King, Chief Executive of Sainsbury’s, the Minister said: “I believe that the alcohol and licenced trade industries have a key role to play in helping us address the issue of young people’s drinking – particularly in relation to helping restrict the supply of alcohol to our children and young people.
“My meeting with Sainsbury’s was very useful, and I am encouraged to hear of their commitment to schemes such as ‘Challenge 21’ and their desire to help reduce the level of underage drinking in society.
“I have now met with all the major supermarkets that operate in Northern Ireland – and I am extremely pleased that they are keen to work pro-actively with us. They are taking this issue seriously and doing a lot of good work.
“A co-ordinated approach is the only way to tackle this issue. Further work still needs to be taken forward but I believe that through my discussions with the supermarkets and the wider licenced trade we have made a very positive and encouraging start.”
The Minister added: “My Department is leading on the development of a cross-government action plan that will seek to reduce young people’s demand for alcohol, further restrict the supply of alcohol to those under 18, and ensure appropriate treatment and support services are in place from those who require additional help.”
The Department will continue to take forward meetings with key stakeholders over the summer, and it is anticipated that that the Young People’s Drinking Action Plan will be published in the autumn.
Notes to Editors:
1. Under the voluntary ‘Challenge 21’ initiative, retailers and licensees seek proof of age from anybody who appears to be under the age of 21.
2. 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, Social Services, and Public Safety is now developing a cross-sectoral, multi-agency action plan to address young people’s drinking.
3. As part of the development of this Action Plan, the Minister has met with key industry stakeholders, including:
- 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
- Sainsbury’s
- Asda
- Tesco
- Musgrave Group
- Winemark/Russells Cellars
- Curleys
- Botanic Inns
4. Binge drinking, (i.e. 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.
5. 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
6. Press enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0575. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
