Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) has reported substantial reductions in children’s drinking and anti-social behaviour in areas where it has created local partnerships.
Its 2021/2 annual report released today (June 6) at Westminster says evaluations over the last six years show CAP areas have achieved:
- 62% reduction in weekly drinking for 13-16 year olds
- After CAP training, 98% of retailers passed a Challenge 25 compliance test – from an average baseline of 50%
- 42% reduction in anti-social behaviour
- 68% reduction in residents reporting children and young people drinking in public places to be a very big or fairly big problem
Since CAP was created 15 years ago, more than 250 schemes have been launched in England, Scotland and Wales. They bring together local stakeholders with a shared interest in preventing underage drinking and encouraging responsible drinking among young adults. CAP partnerships are made up of retailers, local authorities, police, schools, neighbourhood groups and health providers, working together to improve the health and wellbeing of young people and enhance the communities where they live.
CAP Director Kate Winstanley says: “I’m delighted that in CAP areas we are seeing sustained reductions in regular drinking among 13-16 year olds and positive partnerships with retailers to drive down underage sales. Our focus this year has been on the largest remaining barrier to reducing alcohol harm among under 18s – the supply of alcohol by parents. Our research has shown a disturbing and widespread lack of knowledge among parents about whether and when they should allow their children to drink alcohol and we are calling on governments across the UK to launch a national campaign to increase awareness of official guidance on children’s drinking.”
CAP’s annual report can be viewed here.
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About Community Alcohol Partnerships:
CAPs bring together a range of local stakeholders with a shared interest in preventing underage drinking and encouraging responsible drinking among young adults
For more information see: www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk