Dangers of alcohol

While most kids are taking advantage of school-free days and nights, and finding fun without bothering anyone, there have been some groups of teenagers who have been keeping us busy with their bad behaviour.

We are often approached by young people who bemoan being misjudged by people who see them out and about with their friends. ‘Just because we hang out in groups and like to wear hoods it doesn’t mean we are looking to cause trouble’, they say.

This may very well be the case, but behaviour such as the kind we witnessed at the weekend, when we confiscated up to 20 bottles and cans of booze from a group of eight teens, does not help their case.

Let us be clear, it is an offence for someone under the age of 18 to purchase alcohol or for someone of legal age to buy or supply alcohol to minors.

Remember, a criminal conviction, and even a caution, can have a lasting impact on a young person’s future. It really is not worth the risk.

Parents, please be aware of your children’s whereabouts when they are not at home and keep a close eye on your alcohol cabinet.

We have stepped up evening patrols in the villages and in partnership with Bassetlaw Council’s Antisocial Behaviour Team are pursuing Acceptable Behaviour Contracts with any youngsters caught with alcohol.

This six-month contract is a formal agreement to behave in an acceptable manner, as outlined by the contract. Any deviation from this could lead to prosecution.

We are also sending ‘offending’ youngsters to hear the Alcohol 123 presentation about the dangers of alcohol. Close work is also being undertaken with licensed premises in the area to ensure they are aware of the laws in relation to selling alcohol to under-18s.

Alcohol and under-18s do not mix, not just from a legal standpoint but also in terms of physical health and metal wellbeing and community relations.

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