15.10.14
Local solutions to Britain’s drinking culture
Source: Jonathan Birdwell, Demos
These figures show that alcohol is still a big problem in this country. Young people may be drinking less than they have in the past, but we still have a big drinking culture and our research uncovered specific problems with underage drinking, and binge drinking in city centres.
Our report highlighted the fact a third of 11 to 15 year olds admitted obtaining alcohol in the previous four weeks. The problem is especially severe in some parts of the country, such as Liverpool, Birmingham and Leeds, which have the highest numbers of under-18s being admitted to hospital due to alcohol.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and often a local approach is the best way to tackle these problems by encouraging police and local authorities to work together to prevent harmful levels of alcohol consumption.”
Jonathan Birdwell, head of citizenship at Demos
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