McCarthy says Executive must address dangerous drinking culture

10.21.00am GMT Tue 11th Mar 2008

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has expressed shock at research which showed that many parents were unaware of underage drinking laws. He said that the Executive need to take steps to address the drinking culture in Northern Ireland by cracking down on the sale of drink to people who are underage. The research was complied by the Health Promotion Agency and Queens University.

The Strangford MLA said: "The dangerous drinking culture in Northern Ireland needs to be tackled. We hear of so many incidents on the streets of towns across Northern Ireland every Friday and Saturday night.

"Underage drinking, and the behaviour of those young people involved in it must be tackled. The Executive need to re-direct more resources away from administration in departments towards creating more awareness raising initiatives targeted at parents so they can play a more active role in tackling this problem. We also need to see a bigger crackdown on those who sell drink to underage people.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Health Promotion Agency on their good work and long may their positive contributions continue.

"Adults should be able to enjoy a pint in their local pub without the spectre of thug culture lurking on our streets as they make their way home. We need to see a change in culture across the board with a more responsible attitude needed."

ENDS