The Bassetlaw Alcohol Youth Forum presents its findings to Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith MP on Thursday this week. Following months of investigation and evidence taking, the young people are to submit their report and 25 recommendations to the Home Secretary personally, Number 10 Downing Street and the Department for Health.

The Youth Forum is proposing, amongst other things, for:

• Parents should be involved straight away when youth people are found causing alcohol-related trouble;
• All 10 year olds to receive alcohol-education from people who 'command respect from students';
• An 'outright' ban on drinking in public areas;
• Those who buy alcohol for under-age drinkers to be banned from purchasing alcohol for all together;
• Stronger penalties for drink drivers. 

The report, which focuses heavily on things to do and places to go for young people says that the government should halve public transport costs young people because transport is so bad in rural areas and leaves young people 'relying on parents to get around'.

John Mann MP, who has supported the young people in their deliberations:

"Bassetlaw's young people have shown leadership and great maturity in an attempt to tackle the negative aspects of young people drinking. They have made radical proposals and put on a national agenda real solutions to the problems that they understand better than any politician."

"They have heard from a Minister, the police and their peers - I am sure their ideas will trigger a much needed debate."

The Youth Forum's meeting with Jacqui Smith MP will take place in her Secretary of State's office in Westminster on 3rd July 2008. They will also present the report to the door of 10 Downing Street.

The Youth Forum took for evidence from Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker MP and chief of Nottinghamshire Police, Stephen Green in preparation of their report into youth alcohol use.

Download their report here.