<p>27th March 2008</p><p>EMBARGOED UNTIL: 00.01AM FRIDAY 28 MARCH 2008</p><p>New report exposes size of the underage drinking problem and its relationship with alcohol-related violence</p><p>A joint study between the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Trading Standards North West and the Home Office (North West) is launched today which examines the amounts of alcohol consumed by 9,833 15-16 year olds in the North West and the health and social problems (e.g. violence) that are linked to this consumption.</p><p>Key findings show: </p><p> Across the North West, over five sixths (84%) of 15-16 year olds surveyed drank alcohol. This is a decrease of around 4% from 20051. However, there has been an increase in the proportion of underage drinkers who drink in public places (bars, clubs, streets, parks) and the proportion drinking frequently (2 or more times a week).  We conservatively estimate that 15-16 year olds in the North West drink around 84 million units a year in total. This is equivalent to 44 bottles of wine (or 177 pints of beer) per year for every 15 and 16 year old in the region, or 67 bottles of wine (269 pints of beer) per year for each 15 and 16 year old that drinks at least once a month.  Of the 190,000 15 and 16 year olds in the region, results suggest that around 57,000 binge drink (drinking five or more drinks in one session) at least weekly. Levels range from around a third of 15 and 16 year old drinkers bingeing at least weekly in the most affluent areas to around 40% in the poorest.  Across the North West, just under half of 15 and 16 year olds surveyed drank at least once a week. Of these, 40% of females and 42% of males had been involved in violence following drinking. Further, 15 and 16 year old drinkers that live in the poorest areas of residence were around 45% more likely to have been involved in alcohol-related violence than those in the most affluent areas.  Binge drinkers are also more likely to be involved in alcohol-related violence. For instance, those who binge drink three or more times a week are more than five times more likely to be involved in alcohol-related violence than individuals who drink but do not binge.  Heavy drinking patterns were also associated with higher levels of smoking.  Over a third of 15 and 16 year old drinkers report buying their own alcohol. These individuals were more likely to binge drink as well as to drink frequently and drink in public places. More follows…</p><p>1 Some of the questions were included in a previous survey in 2005. 2.</p><p>Professor Mark A. Bellis, co-author of the report and director of the Centre for Public Health, said: “These figures highlight the sheer quantity of alcohol being consumed by underage drinkers across the North West. Sadly, there is still practically no information publicly available on what is a safe amount of alcohol for children to consume or on how parents can best moderate their children’s drinking. </p><p>“Without a clear message that underage drunkenness will not be tolerated, we will continue to see the high levels of alcohol bingeing and related violence identified in this study. All too often such bingeing and violence not only damages children’s lives but also results in whole communities feeling threatened by gangs of drunk teenagers.”</p><p>Richard Lindley, Trading Standards North West lead for under age sales, said: “The ongoing challenge for Trading Standards North West is to reduce the supply of alcohol to under 18s. Individual Trading Standards services are committed to assisting legitimate businesses to comply with the law but will use enforcement methods to tackle those who continue to illegally sell alcohol.</p><p>“Under 18s continue to obtain alcohol by asking strangers outside shops and also friends who either look or are over 18 to buy for them. The report highlights that under 18s who obtain their alcohol this way are more likely to binge or frequently drink and to drink in public places. These purchasers need to be aware they are fuelling problems in our communities and committing criminal offences themselves for which they can face police fines.”</p><p>Dominic Harrison of the North West Regional Office of the Department of Health in the Government Office North West, said: “This research confirms the almost daily experience of both young people and adults across the region who can see for themselves the rising problem of drunkenness amongst a significant proportion of young people. Young people from less wealthy backgrounds appear to be most at risk, but the problem is apparent across the whole of society. The principle cause of the increased risk is lower prices and increased availability, but culture and the increasing social tolerance of drunken behaviour is also a factor.</p><p>“ The NHS and the Government Office North West are working closely with NHS primary care trusts and local authorities to address the problem through a range of strategies. Ultimately, we may need more public challenge both to young people who drink inappropriately and the retail, marketing and culture industries that drive social attitudes supportive of excessive alcohol consumption.”</p><p>-ends-</p><p>For further information on the Centre for Public Health, Liverpool John Moores University and for interview requests, please contact: Gayle Whelan Tel: 0151 231 4402 / [email protected]</p><p>More follows… 3.</p><p>Notes to editors</p><p> The Centre for Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University specialises in applied research and educational programmes which address health issues, from policy development to service delivery. Please visit www.cph.org.uk for more information on the Centre.  The summary report Risky drinking in North West school children and its consequences: A study of fifteen and sixteen year olds will be available on Friday 28th March at the following address: http://www.cph.org.uk/publications.aspx. For a copy of the report before this time please contact Gayle Whelan.</p>