Labour Government Is Taking Wrong Approach Tackling Alcohol Abuse

8.54.05pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Feb 2008

Law is not a substitute for enforcement

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has signalled tougher powers for police to confiscate alcohol from under-18s as part of measures to tackle street drinking.

Ms Smith said young people should not be drinking alcohol in the street and she is willing to examine whether police should be given greater powers to tackle the problem. Police officers can currently seize bottles and cans from under-18s found drinking in town centres and residential areas.

Lib Dem Shadow Home Secretary Chris Huhne states "The power already exists allowing police to take alcohol from kids in a public place. Ministers need urgent treatment for their long-standing addiction to legislation when what is needed is action. Law is not a substitute for enforcement. The Government should focus its attention on curbing the sale of alcohol to children and on providing more activities for young people. This would have a far greater impact on teenage drinkers than any headline-chasing crackdowns."