§ 33. Mrs. HumbleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning links between under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour in town centres. [64382]
§ Mr. BoatengThe public, police officers and local councillors have all indicated that alcohol-related crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour are a significant problem and do involve under-age drinkers.
We have implemented the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 and will legislate to clarify the law relating to adults who buy alcohol for children and 330W to the use of children in test purchases. The Anti-Social Behaviour Order and other provisions in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 will help with specific local problems.
The police and local authorities will be able to target local problems through the crime reduction strategies required by the Crime and Disorder Act.