Campaign targets young drinkers

Six organisations have pooled their efforts and produced a poster as part of an education campaign highlighting the dangers of alcohol consumption by persons under 16.

The poster has been distributed to all establishments selling alcoholic beverages, including bars, supermarkets and clubs, to be displayed in strategic spots within the outlets.

The six collaborating organisations are Sedqa, the national agency against drugs and alcohol abuse, Ghaqda Genituri, Assocjazzjoni Genituri Nharsu 'l Uliedna, The Sense Group, the GRTU and the police.

This is the first time that these organisations have joined forces for such a campaign. They would like to see the posters being displayed prominently in order to have the desired effect.

Malta has a high rate of alcohol consumption among those in the lower age groups. Results from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD), conducted in January 1999, showed that 91 per cent of all 16-year-olds reported having consumed alcohol in the previous 12 months. Malta ranked the highest among the 29 participating European countries in the consumption of spirits.

Apart from the health risks associated with alcohol consumption at a young age, there is also the issue of binge drinking, with many young people admitting of having several drinks in one evening.

The organisations appealed to sales outlets to show more responsibility in the sale of alcohol and urged other entities to inform the general public about the perils of abuse.

Sedqa offers its alcohol services both within the community and in residential settings. People requiring help for alcohol problems can be referred, refer themselves to these services or get more information by calling Helpline 151 or the Alcohol Community Team on 2142 1814-5 or by visiting the agency's website at www. sedqa.org.mt.