Young people urged to celebrate exam results safely

Reps from Kellys Night Club Portrush, Shenanaghins Portstewart, Coleraine District Council and local PSNI Coleraine coast officers discuss issues such as fake ID and underage drinking before the A Levels result parties later this week. INCR34-113

The publishing of results is a stepping stone for many to their lives after secondary school, and hopefully those awaiting results will achieve the outcome they are hoping for.

There will be cause for celebrations; however, police would ask young people to remember the consequences if things go too far.

Inspector Paul McCracken said: “It is understandable that people want to celebrate and let their hair down. What concerns police, though, is that high spirits can lead to some drinking too much and getting into trouble. We would ask that young people are aware of the consequences of their actions and remember that getting into trouble may affect their future lives and career prospects.

“Students will no doubt be out celebrating in hotels, pubs and clubs, many of them in the North Coast and police are keen to ensure the safety message is heard.

Police are also reminding all young people that persons under 18 cannot consume any alcohol in hotels, bars or clubs. It is illegal for them to purchase alcohol for themselves, consume it or supply it to others. There is also a long standing issue with young people in the area using fake ID, which is itself an offence.

Inspector McCracken picks up on this issue: “Staff in pubs and clubs across the North Coast are well trained to spot fake ID. Police have hundreds of fake IDs handed into us by door staff to prove this point. We recently produced a DVD with local school students to emphasis the consequences around breaking the law, looking at issues such as underage drinking, drug misuse and using fake ID. We’ll be reposting this video on our Facebook and YouTube site this week to reinforce the message.

Local police will have extra patrols in place and are working closely with of the licensed trade. Patrols will be inspecting licensed premises and known drinking areas.

Inspector McCracken summed up: “We don’t want to spoil anyone’s party, but nor do we want to see a future career spoiled by one night of bad choices.”