Scotland’s child drinkers
A Scottish National Health Service study has revealed that 633 children, including 15 under the age of 12 and as young as eight, were taken to hospital casualty units between April and June 2007 after drinking too much alcohol. They had consumed, on average, the equivalent of six pints of lager in the hours before being admitted to hospital, the study said. Almost a quarter had also taken illegal drugs including ecstasy and cannabis.
Commenting on the report, Scotland’s public health minister said efforts were being made to redirect young people away from alcohol, including cracking down on rogue retailers who sell to underage drinkers. Licensing laws will be used to tackle underage drinking and alcohol promotions that are likely to appeal to young people will be banned.
