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Govt mistake in allowing drinking at 16, says party
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The PDP says it considers that firmer enforcement and educational action needs to be taken to stop underage drinking; that the legal drinking limit should be set at 18; and that an Alcohol Reduction Strategy should be introduced by Government as part of a wider health education drive to better inform the public and curb alcohol abuse.
With the health of Gibraltar?s youth at stake, the PDP is urging for a more coordinated and focused effort to stamp down on underage drinking.
The Government introduced the Children?s and Young Persons? [Alcohol, Gaming and Tobacco] Ordinance to protect young people against alcohol, tobacco and gaming. This legislation improved and modernised archaic legal provisions in the area of Licensing that was under review several years ago. Other aspects have still not been updated. However the Government maintained the drinking age at 16. This in the PDP?s view is a mistake.
There has been a noticeable increase in the level of very young people participating in drinking sessions, particularly at weekends, and this has been more evident during the recent summer months. There is rising anxiety and unease, especially among many parents, because of the social and other problems that alcohol abuse or underage drinking can cause.
Only last week, the National Youth Council of Gibraltar, at their International Youth Conference, highlighted alcohol and drug abuse as one of their main concerns, as reported in PANORAMA.
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