§ Mr. LyonsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to tackle under-age drinking. [17143]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 10 May 2004]: The Licensing Act 2003 strengthens the law on selling to under-18s, and increases the penalties for doing so. The Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy for England, published on 15 March 2004 sets out the Government's plans to build on this through greater enforcement of existing laws against selling alcohol to minors.
We announced on 29 April 2004 that this summer, the Police Standards Unit, working with the Association of Chief Police Officers, will lead a robust enforcement 1045W campaign in towns and cities across England and Wales to target those who encourage under-age and binge drinking.
In taking forward the Strategy recommendations, we will also look at improving the information about the dangers of alcohol misuse available to young people and encouraging the provision of more alternative activities for young people.