Rise in under-age drinkers

Concerns have been expressed about the availablity of alcohol to youngsters after West Sussex Trading Standards reported a 15 per cent increase in underage sales. And there are further worries that new 24-hour drinking laws could spark an even bigger increase in the numbers of young people turning to drink as more and more of the county's pubs apply for extended hours.

Figures by the Office of National Statistics show that there were 842 alcohol-related deaths in 2004 in the south-east and just over eight deaths per 100,000 in 2003.

Helen Symonsfrom Alcohol Concern was concerned by Trading Standards' results and said it was important licensees ensured alcohol was not supplied to those underage.

"An increase in sales of alcohol to minors is certainly very worrying, particularly in the run up to the implementation of new licensing laws later this year," said Ms Symons.

"If alcohol is going to be available for longer hours, it is absolutely crucial that licensees take a responsible stance in ensuring that they are not supplying alcohol to under-age drinkers. There are already strong laws governing sale of alcohol to under-18s, and it's time they were implemented properly.

Full story in West Sussex Gazette August 25.