Bid to Cut Drink Harm to Young

AGENCIES in Wirral are joining forces to try to cut the risk of harm to young people from alcohol.

Wirral trading standards, the youth service, police licensing and primary care trust are combining to provide new training, free of charge, to off-licensees and their staff about under-age sales.

The training is part of a drive to cut alcohol-fuelled anti- social behaviour and related health issues.

John Malone, trading standards manager, said: “We want to work with businesses to prevent alcohol getting into the hands of young people. The new training will look at the legal position for off- licensees but a new element will also deal with the impact alcohol can have on young people.

“It is essential that off-licensees are aware of the health consequences of selling alcohol to young people – injuries caused when drunk, risky sexual behaviour and teenage pregnancy, involvement in crime, violence and anti-social behaviour, truancy and road accidents.”

The free training is at Wallasey town hall at 6pm on Wednesday, September 12. Ring Nick Chesters of trading standards on 0151-691 8579.

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