Alcohol-related Disorder (Young People)

12. John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): What plans she has for improving engagement with the parents of young people involved in alcohol-related disorder. [218099]

14 July 2008 : Column 14

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Vernon Coaker): The Government recently published their youth alcohol action plan, which sets out a new tiered approach to tackle young people consuming alcohol in public places. All tiers will closely involve parents to prevent an escalation of problems. However, when young people are creating serious problems for their communities, we will also address the behaviour of parents through parenting contracts and parenting orders.

John Mann: I hope that the Minister will pay particular attention to the recommendation of the Bassetlaw young people’s alcohol panel, which was presented to the Home Secretary last week. Does he agree that it is vital to take account of the views of young people themselves about how problems such as alcohol and, indeed, knife crime can be solved?

Mr. Coaker: I know that, along with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, my hon. Friend has met young people to present his findings. I also had the privilege of meeting young people in his constituency a few months ago to discuss the issues with them. He is right to stress the importance of involving young people in the search for solutions to alcohol-linked and other crimes. The Government are already considering some of the points that they have made, and intend to deal with others. For instance, we strongly support the idea of making parents take more responsibility for their children when they act in antisocial and, indeed, criminal ways. We will take account of the reports from my hon. Friend and the young people in his constituency in determining our policy.

Anne Main (St. Albans) (Con): My constituency is experiencing significant problems involving young people drinking alcohol in public places, often hidden in drinks such as orange juice. They obtain their alcohol from small shops and off-licences. Will the Home Secretary consider much tougher penalties for those who dispense alcohol to young people, and bear in mind the fact that the “pile it high, sell it cheap” method of selling alcohol, rather than the existence of licensed premises, is the root of the problem?

Mr. Coaker: The hon. Lady has made an important point. As she will know, we have conducted a number of under-age sales campaigns involving action against retailers. She will have noted that over the years the proportion of small retailers who fail the test has fallen from about 50 to 15 per cent. However, we are aware that we need to take further action against retailers, and I want all local authorities to use the powers that are available to them.

No doubt the hon. Lady will support the change in the law to which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary referred recently when we announced the youth alcohol action plan, which includes a new offence of persistent possession of alcohol in public by young people.

Source: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080714/debtext/80714-0002.htm#column_13