Shock Kids' Booze Figures Revealed

A top Co Antrim hospital has revealed that it has treated over 70 children for alcohol and drug abuse in the past six months alone.

A spokesperson for the Northern Trust confirmed that 76 patients in the under 18-age group had been admitted to Antrim Area Hospital for substance abuse since November 2007.

This shocking statistic was revealed following the news that a 10-year-old child had been treated for alcohol-related illness at Altnagelvin Hospital last year.

Describing the recent findings as "alarming", the Cllr Pam Lewis, Chairperson of Antrim District Policing Partnership said: "These figures are sadly not surprising. Society is unfortunately reaping the harvest of its tolerant attitude towards alcohol.

"For far too long there has been a move towards the liberalisation of drinking laws and this has contributed to a society that has lost all control when it comes to the use of alcohol. No wonder that those under 18 want to get involved, when they have been set such a bad example by many of their piers."

Cllr Lewis said that combating this issue requires not only responsible parents but also education and enforcement policies among young people, some of whom are committing offences due to drinking, and some who are themselves are victims of drink abuse.

Adding that it is "undeniable" that small minorities of retailers do sell to individuals who are underage, she said: "Retailers like this who continually break guidelines should be weeded out by PSNI and prosecuted."

Welcoming the NI Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade's "zero tolerance" approach of tackling the problem of the supply of alcohol to children, Cllr. Lewis said: "Experience has shown that excessive consumption by minors results in a host of health, social and economic problems."

(BMcC)