“don’t pass it on” alcohol campign launched

With GCSE results being released this week and the impressive A-level results last week, the Oswestry Community Alcohol Partnership (Os-CAP) hope there will be plenty for young people to celebrate over the Bank Holiday weekend.

However, Os-CAP advises against any celebrations that involve underage drinking.

Licensed premises in Oswestry are equipped to challenge any young person who attempts to purchase alcohol by asking those who appear aged 25 and under to provide proof of age. Those producing valid proof of age that shows them to be aged 18 and over are able to purchase the alcohol; those not, are refused.

The ‘don’t pass it on’ campaign aims to reduce proxy purchases of alcohol – where over 18s purchase alcohol and supply it to young people who are under 18.

Supplying alcohol to under 18s is a criminal offence with a penalty of a fine up to £5,000. Os-CAP fully supports any licensed premises that refuses to sell alcohol to anyone they suspect is proxy purchasing.

Data provided by the Institute of Alcohol Studies shows that a young person who binge drinks at 16 is 60% more likely to be alcohol dependent at 30 than those that don’t. Underage drinking is a much more serious problem today than it has been in the past.

Councillor Vince Hunt, Chairman of Os-CAP, said:

“We fully support the ‘don’t pass it on’ message and strongly encourage over 18s in Oswestry to support licensees in their bid to prevent proxy purchases of alcohol, and the subsequent harm that this causes to our young people and our community.”

Councillor Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for trading standards, added:

“The Os-CAP continues to bring the trade, community, enforcers and many other partners together to tackle the effects of under-age drinking in Oswestry. The ‘don’t pass it on’ campaign is just one example of the work that the Os-CAP is currently undertaking to bring about a change in attitudes towards underage drinking.”