Many young people end up in hospital following excessive alcohol consumption. Whilst young people are drinking less alcohol than 10 years ago, drinking to excess can lead to unintentional accidents and consequences. As a society, we all have a part to play in ensuring alcohol is supplied responsibly and not sold by irresponsible traders or bought by naive older people who think they are doing a child a favour by buying alcohol on their behalf (known as proxy sales).
The 16-24 year-old age group are less likely to drink than any other age group. However, when they do drink, their consumption is higher than in other age groups.
Injury statistics in the South West show that where alcohol is concerned, the most common type of injury to be sustained by young people aged under 25 drinking alcohol are head injuries and falls.
To assist businesses, Trading Standards South West (TSSW) has developed an online interactive toolkit No Proof of Age No Sale (www.npoans.org.uk) to help train staff on the underage sales prevention of alcohol and other age restricted products and services.
Michael Davison from Trading Standards South West said, “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure alcohol is consumed responsibly, from the person buying it, the person selling it and the person consuming it.”
He added “Trained staff can play their part by following their training and being vigilant to help ensure alcohol is not supplied to minors, or to people who may have already had enough to drink and help avoid people having to be admitted to hospital.”