Alcohol laws not being enforced

Laws designed to prevent shops selling alcohol to underage children are not being enforced, despite the Government having carried out its own research revealing the full extent of the problem.

The revelation comes as Cheshire Chief Constable Peter Fahy spoke out about the dangers of underage drinking.

Parliamentary Questions have revealed that there were only 67 prosecutions for shops selling alcohol to children under 18 for a ten-year period, even though a Home Office survey indicates that many stores are breaking the rules, even after being caught.

Commenting, Don said:

“The Government is burying its head in the sand. The reality is that since Labour came to power ministers have systematically failed to enforce the law on shops selling alcohol to underage children.

 “It is hardly surprising that this problem is getting worse, especially when the law is not properly enforced. Labour was more interested in making wholesale changes to Britain’s licensing regime than properly addressing the issue of binge drinking.

“As well as reviewing the current situation the Government must ensure that licensing authorities enforce existing legislation for those who break the rules. The Home Office’s own research shows that many businesses simply don’t fear prosecution.”

ENDS

This article published: 15/08/2023

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