Buckfast to be investigated

The Northern Ireland Health Committee look set to launch an investigation into so-called 'Lurgan Champagne' after the tonic wine continues to raise its head in police crime reports.

There's even been talk of banning the Monk-made wine if it's found to be consumed largely by underage drinkers.

Craigavon DUP Councillor Philip Weir has expressed concern about the abuse of Buckfast in the area.

He said: “It is time for a serious look at the impact of Buckfast tonic wine and other products on binge drinking locally. "Freedom of information requests have revealed that there were more than one hundred incidents over the past four years in which Buckfast was documented as a factor within initial PSNI crime reports. In many cases a Buckfast bottle was used as a weapon."

He added: "Buckfast wine which is 15% proof and relatively inexpensive is commonly abused in the Craigavon area. It is not just here though where it is a problem. Buckfast was mentioned in 5,638 crimes in Strathclyde over the last three years.

"The costs to the health service and policing from binge drinking and alcohol abuse are enormous. I welcome efforts by the Executive to tackle the irresponsible sale of alcohol particularly to the young. It should not be possible for vulnerable people to access products capable of causing such serious inhibitions so easily."