Worrying level of under-age drinking

SHOCKING drinking habits of Oldham’s under-age boozers have been revealed.

One in four sups more than 20 units a week, according to a North-West-wide survey of 14 to 17-year-olds.

Half the 13,000 young people surveyed admitted drinking to get drunk, one in 20 drinks alone and one in six regretted having sex after consuming alcohol.

The study also found the number of teenagers drinking alcohol at least once a week has dropped to 38 per cent, from 50 per cent in 2005.

The survey was carried out on behalf of trading standards services in the region and published by the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).

According to Bupa, men should not drink more than 21 units of alcohol a week — women no more than 14 units.

Alan Higgins, director of public health for Oldham, said rehab services and schemes such as an alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy (ACCE) project had been set up, while staff and GPs had been trained to identify and refer people in need of help.

He added: “We received £150,000 in 2008 and have used some of this to create an alcohol co-ordinator post.

“This person will be responsible for improving local alcohol-related services in Oldham now and in the future. A pilot programme will also begin at the Royal Oldham Hospital next month which will offer support and treatment to people of all ages who are drinking at harmful and hazardous levels.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “The council has also introduced schemes such as No ID, No Sale initiative, but relies upon the vigilance and integrity of licence holders to check identification.”

MP Phil Woolas, regional minister for the North-West, said although the number of teenage drinkers had fallen, the amount they were drinking was worrying.