Alcohol misuse: tackling the UK epidemic - London

5. Do you know of any international, regional or local good practice targeting young
people's alcohol misuse?
Members advised that those children and young people following alcohol
intoxication, who were admitted to hospital for assessment and support, were
seen by social services and where appropriate adolescent support teams. It has
been noted that such measures result in very few repeat attendances. Alcohol
Alert was cited as a particular initiative, along with additional police presence to
proactively discourage drinking in public places. It was felt that the media could
send stronger messages to young people. Some members highlighted resource
packs for teachers about drugs, smoking and alcohol for use in primary and
secondary schools.
Nurses working in CAMHS highlighted that alcohol use has become a large part
of intervention/treatment work with young people, with many school nurses
highlighting a number of interventions aimed at children and families as part of an
alcohol education and prevention strategy:
Specific campaigns and initiatives cited by our members included: Healthy
Schools Plus, FRANK Campaign, Health Promotion Agency, Tesco's 21 prove it
scheme, community wardens. NHS Know your units. It was noted that Alcohol
Concern has published information on the impact of alcohol and family problems,
including the particular impact of parental alcohol misuse on children
http://www.alcoholandfamilies.org.uk/documents/7/lit_review/lit_review_index.htm
Additionally Liverpool John Moores University has produced a series of factsheets
from research, including one on the availability of alcohol to under-age
persons, which includes what is known to motivate young people to drink. Other
fact-sheets in the series provide information evidence based interventions.
http://www.cph.org.uk/publications.aspx
It was noted that Trading Standards and local police regularly carry out test
purchases for under-age sales in off-licences, and the Parks Service escort
young people found drinking alcohol home and raise awareness among parents.
Many members felt that the all day opening had sent out the wrong messages.
Nurses who trained in Germany advised that changes afoot there included the
introduction of stricter restrictions to purchase alcohol in supermarkets and
elsewhere after 10pm http://www.lzg-bayern.de/aktionswoche/ In addition it was
noted that within clubs and bars ‘breath test machines’ are available to anyone
who wishes to check their alcohol level in their breath before driving home, and
an organization which goes into clubs to promote sensitive drinking, provide
information and leaflets http://mindzone.info/projekt/profil/ There is also tighter
legislation for new drivers (first 2 years) and until the end of the 21st year of age
in which the driver not to allow to have any alcohol when driving the 0- promil-
plan [Fine 125 euros and 2 points on licence] http://www.disco-fieber.de/ There
could also be TV advertising promoting safe plans of action if a driver/friend is not
fit to drive anymore http://www.disco-fieber.de/no_kompromille/index.html
It was noted that some LSCBs have ensured local clubs known for allowing
underage drinking did not have their alcohol licence renewed
Additional comments
RCN London - 30 September 2008 3