Parents 'put teens at risk' with holiday drinks

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The Evening Standard
Parents who let their 16 and 17-year-olds drink alcohol on holiday may be putting them at risk, campaigners warned today.

A survey for alcohol awareness charity Drinkaware found that 39 per cent would give alcohol to teenagers going on a week-long holiday - and of those, 53 per cent would hand out five or more bottles of spirits or wine.

More than a third, 36 per cent, would prefer their child to get alcohol from them rather than an unknown source and 22 per cent said they buy their teenager alcohol to keep track of the amount they drink.

Parents are happy to give alcohol to their children, despite 41 per cent knowing that their child has had a bad drinking experience.

One in five is aware their child has been involved in an accident or had unprotected sex when drinking and 79 per cent know their child has been sick.

Chris Sorek, chief executive of Drinkaware, said: "Lots of 16 and 17-year-olds will want to mark the end of exams by celebrating with friends on a trip away, but if parents provide them with alcohol, it could inadvertently put them at risk.

"Parents might think they're doing the right thing by ensuring alcohol comes from them instead of somewhere else, but when young people drink to excess it can compromise their personal safety and increase the chances of them having unprotected sex or being involved in an accident."

The charity is tackling alcohol misuse among underage drinkers in Newquay, Cornwall, encouraging friends to look out for each other and think about the short-term risks of excessive alcohol consumption.

During the month after the end of their exams, thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds will holiday in the resort with their friends.

Drinkaware is taking over a cafe on the Fistral Beach to create an alcohol-free venue where friends can meet and eat discounted food while having access to facts and information about alcohol.