The London Assembly is to investigate the extent of underage drinking and alcohol misuse by young people in the capital following growing alcohol-related hospital admissions involving young people.
The Assembly will look at the underlying causes of alcohol misuse by young people which is can increase the risk of having unsafe sex and ending up in trouble with the police.
The eventual report will aim to make recommendations on the best approach to tackle the problem and Assembly members are calling people of all ages to send in their opinions and experiences.
James Cleverly AM, Chair of the Health and Public Services Committee said: “Underage drinking and alcohol misuse by young people is already beginning to have serious repercussions on public health and young people’s life prospects, and will continue to do so for future generations unless something is done to tackle the problem.”
Don Shenker, Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern described the Assembly’s investigation as “timely”.
Shenker added that: “for many young people experimentation with alcohol is a natural part of the transition into adulthood. Unfortunately, and for a complicated mix of reasons, youthful curiosity can sometimes give way to more harmful drinking patterns.”
Cleverly concluded: “We know that 1603 young people were admitted to London hospitals with alcohol-specific problems last year, but this is likely to be just the tip of the iceberg.”
“Our investigation will uncover the true scale of the problem, and I encourage Londoners to help us do that by sending us their views on this issue.”
