Underage binge-drinking Britain is laid bare

A growing number of underage drinkers are being admitted to hospitals and laws to stop them getting hold of alcohol are not being enforced, the Conservative Party has found.

Figures revealed in Parliament show that fewer than 100 youngsters nationally are being punished each year for buying booze illegally despite a report revealing that almost four in ten young people start drinking at 13.

Julian Brazier, the Conservative MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, said: “Underage drinking harms young people and fuels youth crime and antisocial behaviour. Labour Ministers talk endlessly about cracking down on alcohol-related violence, but these new figures expose the Government’s complacency.

“There are already laws and sanctions in place. The Government’s failure to enforce the law sends totally the wrong message about under-age drinking and is adding to public concern about yob behaviour and crime.”

A report, carried out by a national charity called Crime Concern and funded by the Government, found that people were starting binge drinking at an earlier age, which resulted in serious problems with health and crime.

Mr Brazier said that across the NHS South East Coast area, the strategic health authority for Kent, Sussex and Surrey, 596 children were admitted to accident and emergency because of alcohol misuse last year.

But only one youngster in Kent has appeared before magistrates for underage alcohol possession since 2004, according to figures obtained by the Conservatives from Parliament.

One child from the county received a penalty notice for the offence and no one has been cautioned in that time.

Mr Brazier added: “We also need greater social responsibility, and an end to some parents turning a blind eye to their children’s drinking. Increasing social responsibility is at the heart of David Cameron’s plans to make Britain safer and stronger.”

Kent News