Council urges tougher alcohol control

Council bosses in East Sussex are calling on the Government to introduce tougher controls on alcohol. East Sussex County Council also wants politicians to crack down on "mixed messages" on drinking.

The council's children services scrutiny committee said wide-ranging work is being done in East Sussex to address alcohol issues and educate young people about the dangers of alcohol misuse.

But the committee felt the Government needed do more at a national level to address the mixed messages being given out about alcohol.

Councillor David Elkin said: "There's no doubt this issue is taken seriously in East Sussex. Our review examined the work being done in the county very closely and we've made various suggestions to strengthen that work further.

"Our biggest concern, though, was the conflicting evidence and advice regarding alcohol consumption and its impact on health that is being provided at a national level.

"This means it can be extremely difficult to provide a clear message to children and young people."

Councillor Meg Stroude, East Sussex Council Council's lead member for children and families, said: "There is no doubt in my mind that this is a vitally important issue and the scrutiny committee's review has been thorough and extremely useful.

"It has also helped to highlight the very good work being done by the partner organisations in the East Sussex Drug and Alcohol Action Team in our schools and in the wider community.

"Notwithstanding the fact that the Government is due to publish its Youth Alcohol Action Plan, I think it is absolutely right that we should express our concerns at the effect alcohol advertising has on young people and the mixed messages they receive."

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