Project to reduce teenage boozing launched in Wirral today (From Wirral Globe)

Project to reduce teenage boozing launched in Wirral today

10:09am Monday 25th February 2013 in News

A PROJECT to cut teenagers’ access to alcohol is being launched in Wirral today.

The first Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) in the North West will be officially started in Wallasey in a bid to reduce underage drinking.

It comes after similar schemes have been trialled across the country and now Seacombe and New Brighton will be targeted in Wirral pilot project.

Councillor Bill Davies, chairman of the alcohol licensing act 2003 committee,  said: “The Community Alcohol Partnership is another example of close partnership work at a community level between Wirral Council and our partners at Merseyside Police and with local residents.

“Alcohol is one of the most serious, if not the most serious problem that blights communities, and tackling underage sales and educating people about its dangers is key to our strategy in making Wirral a healthier and safer place to live.”

The CAP will see different agencies working together and sharing knowledge, including Wirral Council’s Trading Standards service, officers from the council’s children and young people’s department, Merseyside Police, and local retailers. 

Young people will be advised on sensible drinking limits and the scheme will help local communities to tackle alcohol-related problems. while work will also focus on breaking down barriers between retailers and enforcement agencies.

Chief Inspector Nick Gunatilleke, said: “I am pleased to announce this new initiative by Wirral Council and its partners. To reduce underage drinking, and to promote responsible drinking we need to work together with those who sell alcohol to better understand the problems they face and try to deal with them.

“The knock-on effects of binge drinking to individuals and local communities can be severe and together we can bring about a change in attitudes and behaviour.

“The CAP will build on our successful programme of enforcement and preventative activity, such as the business training given to independent retailers.”