8 October 2009, 09/231
Think of the consequences of drinking!
Parents are being warned of the dangers of their teenagers’
underage and binge drinking in the latest campaign rolled out
across West Lancashire.
The ‘Alcohol Consequences’ initiative was first launched by the
West Lancashire Community Safety Partnership last autumn to
highlight the terrifying states that young people can get
themselves into with alcohol, which can put them in vulnerable and
dangerous situations.
Now the campaign has stepped up a gear with the launch of a new
leaflet highlighting the price that young people can pay for
drinking too much - which can lead to violence, accidents, sexual
assaults, ill health or even acts of suicide.
The information booklet aims to highlight the consequences and
dangers of drinking too much by informing parents, teenagers and
young people about the problems associated with alcohol use and
misuse and of underage drinking. The booklet includes support and
safety tips as well as useful contact numbers.
Councillor Paul Greenall, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety,
said: "Alcohol is a drug and it can have some serious consequences.
Whilst many people drink socially to relax and have a good time,
the use and misuse of alcohol can have traumatic results for
individuals, families and communities. Statistics have revealed
that more than two-thirds of underage drinkers in Lancashire say
they get alcohol from their parents or from the family home. So the
message is for parents to educate their youngsters about
responsible drinking and the consequences if they don’t."
The new leaflet is currently being distributed at schools,
libraries, health centres, youth clubs and other young people’s
services.
Bill Taylor, Chairman of the West Lancashire Community Safety
Partnership, said:
"We understand that parents cannot control what choices their
teenagers make in life but they can make them aware of the
consequences of binge-drinking. It’s not just the health issues
that are a worry, drinking too much can have a real impact on their
quality of life and their family’s too. For example, what if
something bad happened to their child, or their son or daughter
ends up in trouble with the police - it could ruin their life. So
this campaign is all about educating youngsters about the pros and
cons of drinking so that they are aware of the potential dangers
and we hope that parents support us in our campaign.
"We would also encourage outlets that sell alcohol to be aware
of their responsibilities too. Retailers have a legal obligation to
know and practise the laws relating to the sale of age-restricted
goods or else face committing a criminal offence. We hope they take
their duties seriously or they could face the consequences
too!"
For a copy of the ‘Alcohol Consequences’ leaflet, visit the
Council website www.westlancs.gov.uk/communitysafety and go
to the ‘alcohol awareness’ link.
For more information about alcohol, the effects and real life
experience, also visit www.truthaboutbooze.com
(external link) or www.alcoholconsequences.co.uk
(external link). For local information and advice you can also
contact the local treatment agency, Addaction on 01772 255 307
or www.addaction.org.uk (external
link).
The West Lancashire Community Partnership includes key agencies
West Lancashire Borough Council, Lancashire County Council,
Lancashire Fire and Rescue, Lancashire Constabulary and NHS Centre
Lancashire, as well as other agencies.
Related information