FORT WILLIAM COMMUNITY ALCOHOL PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS RISKS OF UNDERAGE DRINKING

Iain Ferguson

While many young people have been allowed at some time to sample a very small and not particularly potent alcoholic drink to mark a special occasion as part of an adult gathering, it is not advisable to allow this to become a regular way of life.

A recently launched Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) in Fort William brings together representatives of Lochaber High School, Trading Standards, Scottish Fire & Rescue, Scottish Ambulance Service, Youth Action Team, High Life Highland and Lochaber Hope. The aim is to highlight the risks of underage drinking and its detrimental effect on the health and wellbeing of local children and young people.

The Fort William CAP will also work with youth services and local organisations to provide alcohol-free activities for young people as well as a presence in schools educating young people to ensure that they are equipped to make the right decisions about issues such as alcohol and drugs and anti-social and criminal behaviour.

Local retailers too have a role to play with the CAP will helping them to avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ sales where adults buy alcohol for under-18s.

The CAP will be coordinated by Fort William Police and locally based Sgt Gavin Law said: “Young people can face difficult challenges in their lives, and we need to ensure they have the confidence to help them make the right decisions especially since alcohol abuse can severely impact on the ability to make positive choices.

“This can also impact on the whole community and we have listened to local concerns, and I am pleased to see the community and partners coming together in this new CAP initiative to tackle these issues”.

All of the partners came together for the launch outside Caol Co-op where leaflets were handed out and to emphasise the message and a High School pupil spray painted a message that it is illegal to buy alcohol for U18s, on to the pavement. The paint was water soluble, so unlike the statement, was not permanent.

Over 200 partnerships exists around Britain and research shows that they are having a real impact on reducing children’s alcohol consumption, improving not only their health, but also their communities. through a reduction in anti social behaviour.

For more information see: www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk

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