TOUGH new laws to attempt to stamp out underage drinking have been unveiled by minister, with proposed legislation which would ban parents from giving young children alcohol at home and which would make parents responsible for how their offspring behave in public.

Graham Dines

TOUGH new laws to attempt to stamp out underage drinking have been unveiled by minister, with proposed legislation which would ban parents from giving young children alcohol at home and which would make parents responsible for how their offspring behave in public.

All retailers and drinks companies will be forced to promote responsible drinking and make sure no-one under the age of 18 buys alcoholic drinks, consideration is being given to banning drinks adverts and sponsorship from sport.

Other measures in the Government's plan include:

New laws to stop teenagers drinking in public spaces, including a new offence of persistent possession of alcohol;

Tougher rules for bars and off-licences that sell alcoholic drinks to under-age children;

A publicity campaign and better alcohol education in schools will warn young people of the health consequences of drinking to excess.