Parents warned about underage drinking

England's chief medical officer, Sir Liam Donaldson has said that parents who allow their children alcohol could be increasing their chances of becoming binge drinkers later in life. 

He accused some parents of a "laissez-faire" approach and said letting children taste alcohol to ready them for adulthood was "misguided".

Sir Donaldson announced a major publicity campaign on the subject which will begin in January 2010.

The new official guidance says under-15s should drink no alcohol, with under-17s drinking only under supervision, whereas current legislation says that parents and carers can give their children alcohol at home from the age of five onwards.

Sir Donaldson said that he wants to address the "ready availability" of cheap alcohol and called on supermarkets and corner shops to "take a stand", he also wants to "shout louder" about his suggestion for a 50p minimum price for alcohol.

Commenting on the publication of guidelines for parents, the Wine and Spirit's Trade Association (WSTA) chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "We welcome the chief medical officer's clear guidance. The role of parents is hugely important in instilling a responsible attitude to alcohol, especially as Government research indicates that the majority of 11-15-year-olds who have tried alcohol are getting it from their parents or other family members*.

"Retailers are taking every step possible to prevent underage sales.  The Challenge 25 scheme, which requires anyone who looks under 25, to present proof of age if they wish to purchase alcohol, is driving down underage sales.

"Sir Liam Donaldson's views on minimum pricing are well known, but it would be totally wrong to suggest that pricing be used to address underage drinking when it is illegal for someone under 18 to purchase and possess alcohol."

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