Headline-grabbing crackdown failing to cut underage drinking

12.00.00am GMT Wed 9th Apr 2008

Commenting on the Government's announcement on the half-term crackdown on underage drinking, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"Headline-grabbing crackdowns are all well and good, but with alcohol consumption amongst children as high as ever, the Government is clearly failing to tackle the root causes of this problem.

"Ministers should be treating the 40% of licensees who are prepared to sell alcohol to children much more severely. Officers found over 100 offences and yet action was only taken against five premises. Current laws to crack down on rogue retailers are clearly not being enforced properly.

"Ministers should give parents much more support to help prevent children from taking up drinking in the first place."