§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to enable the police to take stronger measures to stop under-age drinking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to his question on 25 January at column882.
§ Mr. O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the question of under-age drinking; what further action he intends to take to stop the sale of alcohol to children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydIn 1989 we received some 40 letters specifically on the subject of under-age drinking. The Licensing Act 1988 strengthened the offence of selling alcohol to young people under 18 by placing a greater responsibility on licensees and their staff. The Act also increased the maximum penalty for this offence and made wholesalers' premises subject to this provision of licensing law. We have no present plans for any further changes to the law but we take a serious view of the problem of under-age drinking and it is kept under constant review.