Campaign targets drinking in the young (From Thurrock Gazette)

Campaign targets drinking in the young

3:00pm Sunday 29th April 2012 in News

THURROCK is backing a national campaign to combat underage drinking.

Challenge 25 aims to give businesses the information and support they need to avoid breaking the law by selling alcohol or other age restricted products to under 18’s.

Officers from Thurrock Council’s trading standards, licensing and community protection teams launched the campaign in Grays town centre with the help of Essex Police and representatives from drug and alcohol advisory service, Network.

The team spent time reminding young people that they will be asked for ID if they are buying alcohol and cigarettes.

Thurrock Council’s head of public protection, Lucy Magill, said: “We are committed to tackling underage drinking in Thurrock which apart from the serious health implications is also the cause of many incidents of anti-social behaviour.

“Our support of Challenge 25 is just one more aspect of the work we are doing to target this issue.”

Multi-agency operations are also planned for known hotspots where adults buy age restricted products for young people.

Support for businesses is also available through training schemes around the sale of age-restricted goods.

The next training course is on May 18.

Interested businesses can call Trading Standards on 01375 652310 for more information.