News Archive

Response to proposals to increase minimum age for alcohol consumption
29 August 2007

Rachel Lampard,  The Methodist Church's Secretary for Parliamentary and Political Affairs,  responded to Chief Constable Peter Fahy proposals to increase the minimum age for alcohol consumption, saying:

"Violent and criminal behaviour, fuelled by underage and excessive drinking, are clearly serious problems. The easy availability of alcohol is a particular concern in the UK and we need to make people more aware of the health risks posed by excessive drinking as well as the avenues for seeking help. We hope that churches everywhere will seek to support those who struggle with alcohol abuse or are victims of alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour.

Chief Constable Fahy's proposal to raise the legal age for the purchase of alcohol from 18 to 21 years may help to highlight concerns about excessive drinking amongst this age group, but it may prove impractical when the current restrictions are already widely flouted.

His proposal to ban drinking in most public places may be more effective. Ultimately we have to move away from a culture where drunkenness and the excessive consumption of alcohol, by people of all ages, is considered acceptable. This won't be achieved by police action or legislation alone."