Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and local group HYPE (Helping Young People every Day) have launched a new campaign, Heads Up ‘Health Education on Alcohol Drugs & Substances’, to address drugs and substance misuse amongst young people throughout the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. This campaign is part of the PCSP’s Drugs/ Substances Misuse and Dealing Awareness Raising Programme, funded through the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Department of Justice.
The campaign aims to help educate the local community on their shared responsibility not to supply alcohol to anyone who is under age and highlights the penalties for doing so. It reinforces awareness of the legislation and potential consequences amongst off licence staff and increases their confidence to refuse sales when in doubt.
Point of sale materials have been provided to every off licence and supermarket within the Borough, highlighting the penalties of supplying alcohol to anyone under the age of 18. They include:
- If you are over 18 and get caught supplying alcohol to anyone under 18, you could face 6 months’ imprisonment or a £5,000 fine; and
- It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase and to consume alcohol in a place other than a private house. *
*Licensing (NI) Order 1996
Chairperson of Antrim and Newtownabbey PCSP, Councillor Julie Gilmour commented;
“The Policing and Community Safety Partnership deploys resources each year in an effort to improve community safety across the Borough.
“PSNI and PCSP continue to work in partnership with local community representatives and agencies to address ongoing issues. Young people engaged in the consumption of alcohol and drugs are putting themselves and others at risk. This campaign plays a crucial role in raising awareness with any adult who may be considering purchasing alcohol for anyone under 18, and in encouraging vigilance amongst staff in licensed premises.”
Sgt David Boyd said;
“Policing is very much about reducing crime and tackling anti-social behaviour and unfortunately we are regularly tasked to deal with incidents involving the misuse of drugs and alcohol.
“Those involved in purchasing alcohol for under 18s need to be aware not only of the consequences this could have for them personally, but also the potential impact on the young person themselves and the wider community.
“Now, more than ever, our behaviour both individually and collectively is critical to how we work together as a society to keep everyone safe.”