London Assembly launches underage drinking probe

The London Assembly has launched a major new investigation into the extent of underage drinking and alcohol misuse in the Capital.

The Assembly is asking people of all ages for their views, which it will use to make recommendations on the best approach to tackle problems.

According to the Assembly, the UK has the third highest proportion of 15 year-olds (24%) that have been drunk 10 times or more.

"Underage drinking and alcohol misuse by young people is already beginning to have serious repercussions on public health and young people's life prospects, and will continue to do so for future generations unless something is done to tackle the problem," said James Cleverly, chair of the health and public services committee.

"We know that 1,603 young people were admitted to London hospitals with alcohol-specific problems last year, but this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg. Our investigation will uncover the true scale of the problem, and I encourage Londoners to help us do that by sending us their views on this issue."

Don Shenker, chief executive of Alcohol Concern added: "The Assembly's decision to pursue a more detailed understanding of alcohol misuse by the capital's youth is a timely one.

"For many young people experimentation with alcohol is a natural part of the transition into adulthood. Unfortunately, and for a complicated mix of reasons, youthful curiosity can sometimes give way to more harmful drinking patterns.

"By getting a street level sense of what motivates young Londoners to drink heavily we will be in a better position to plan a co-ordinated and effective response."

The Assembly is asking Londoners to answer the following questions:

1. Is alcohol misuse by young people a problem amongst your friends, within your family or in your community? Are you a young person who regularly drinks alcohol?

2. What impact does it have on your friends, family and local community?

3. Why do you think some young people misuse alcohol?

4. Where do young people drink?

5. How do young people get access to alcohol?

6. What can be done to encourage young Londoners to drink more sensibly?

Views can be emailed to lcnypbuby@ybaqba.tbi.hx​. Closing date for submissions is 1 October.