GENERATION 'POLEAXED'

A CONCERNED parent has described Lurgan town centre as a battlefield - littered with teenage casualties caused by underage drinking.

The devastated dad contacted the ‘MAIL’ after he witnessed his 14-year-old daughter getting drunk on alcohol which was bought for her by older teens.

He told the ‘MAIL’: “I watched my daughter and the crowd she hangs about with getting blocked at Moore’s Lane."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The man said he saw older teens (of legal drinking age) go into an off licence, buy alcohol and come out and hand it to young ones.

He called on off-licence staff to be aware older people were buying drink for the teens and refuse to serve them where they suspect this is happening.

Describing the scene in Lurgan town centre he said: “I’ve never seen the like of it. I remember driving through the town one weekend. It was like a battlefield, people spewing up on the footpath, ones as young as 13 out of their minds.

“Underage drinking is just the start of it. It leads to other problems like drug abuse, assault, rape and teenage suicide.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The story is a familiar one with teenage drinkers in the town centre an all too common sight. Over recent months the 'MAIL' has received a number of calls about the problem and we have covered the issue in the past - particularly the aftermath with Moore's Lane often littered with debris from the teenage drinkers.

Inspector Ken Annett, who is responsible for the Lurgan neighbourhood policing team, said: “We do our best to keep an eye and make sure people are being responsible. It’s not as straightforward as it seems. Staff have no reason not to serve someone who is over 18. You can’t expect staff to follow the people they sell alcohol to and see what they do with it.”

Addressing the hot spots for teenage drinking Mr Annett said: “These places always get attention from us. If we bring our attention to one area they’ll move elsewhere, so it’s important to visit the areas at different days and times.”

He added: “If anyone sees older people giving drink to underage people I would encourage them to lift the phone and call us.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Just this week police were given new powers to tackle underage drinking in public places under the Policing and Crime Act 2009 which extends to Northern Ireland.

Until now police have only been able to confiscate alcohol from young people in public where the cans or bottles were already open or where they believed that there was an intention to consume - the new powers will now allow the police to confiscate unopened containers so even carrying a bag of cans or bottles could be subject to the new laws.

Young people under 18 can now be prosecuted for persistently possessing drink in a public place and if caught three or more times within a 12 month period could face a maximum penalty of a 500 fine.

Police will also have the power to bring young people under the age of 16 back home if they suspect they have been drinking.

Related topics: