 A survey carried out in the New Forest area has revealed young people have easy access to alcohol.
The survey has produced information directly from young people.
Every Secondary school in the area took part and over 5,000 survey forms were completed.
The findings were reported to the Crime & Disorder Review Panel of New Forest District Council.
Many children are able to access alcohol from home, or when visiting a friend’s house.
However, many other young people, below the age when they can legally purchase beer and spirits, are purchasing it through older friends and relatives.
Alcohol abuse is a key element in much of the anti-social behaviour problems in the area. It also has serious health consequences.
People turning up in hospital with serious alcohol related problems are younger than ever.
Councillor Malcolm Wade, the Liberal Democrat Spokesman for Crime & Disorder told the panel that more work was needed in local schools to educate young people about the dangers of drinking alcohol.
He said “A lot of the work being done now is aimed at treating the symptoms of alcohol abuse, but that is not enough. We need to tackle the causes”.
Lib Dem Leader, Cllr. David Harrison said “This is the first evidence I have seen from young people themselves.
It confirms anecdotal evidence that they are often buying alcohol in local stores, through other people.
We need to tackle this, both through enforcement and education about the real life consequences of alcohol abuse”.
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