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Vistory in Burstow campaign as Government closes underage drinking loophole
November 2, 2002 3:45 PM
Vistory in Burstow campaign as Government closes underage drinking loophole
Local MP Paul Burstow today claimed a 'victory for common sense' following the acceptance by Government Ministers that they had overlooked a loophole that prevented police officers from confiscating sealed alcohol containers from underage youths who loiter in public places.
Mr Burstow raised the issue with the Home Secretary David Blunkett on the 29th October when he demanded concerted action to tackle enviro-crimes. In a letter to Mr Burstow, the Home Office has agreed to the closing of this loophole by tabling an amendment to their own Bill in the House of Lords which will ensure that police will have the power to confiscate sealed alcoholic containers from under-18s.
Paul Burstow said:-
"Following my meeting with the Home Secretary and subsequent Parliamentary Questions, Ministers have realised that this loophole would destroy any chance of tackling underage drinking and consequently reduce the potential of police forces to tackle youth crime. "
"While the Government had increased police powers to deal with adult public drinking, it had significantly reduced police powers to tackle underage public drinking. The police could no longer confiscate sealed alcohol containers. The previous changes had made it more difficult for the police to respond to public concerns about youths drinking in parks and other public places."
"The closure of this loophole to allow police to confiscate these sealed containers is a victory for common sense and will allow Sutton police to tackle the persistent problem of underage drinking in public places."
"ENDS
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