An inter-ministerial permanent focus group was launched yesterday by Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina to implement a national information campaign on the harm of underage drinking in view of the proposed new law.
"We must teach youths they do not need to binge on alcohol to be an adult and have fun," said Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina, pointing out that the trends of alcohol consumption in Malta were "nothing to boast about" and had serious repercussions throughout life.
The proposed law, which the ministry has been working on for over two years, would make it illegal for those aged under 16 to procure, possess, or consume alcohol, and would be addressing the wishes of the majority of the country, including parents, teachers and the industry, she said.
It should be debated in Parliament after the summer recess.
So far, it was against the law to sell alcohol. But now, even giving alcohol to under-16-year-olds would be a crime, and a contravention for them to consume it, the penalty being a Lm25 fine.
"For the first time, we are, therefore, seeing the proposal for an established legal consumption age. It would also be illegal for a minor to give false details when attempting to obtain alcohol," said Ms Cristina, adding that youths would start shouldering their responsibilities.
The government would not be taking on the role of the "child catcher", she said.
The focus group is based on the collaboration of various ministries, including family and social solidarity, health, justice and home affairs, education, youth and employment, and the Office of the Parliamentary Secretary for Small Businesses and Self-Employed within the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry. A member of the National Commission on the Abuse of Drugs, Alcohol and other Dependencies and a representative from Sedqa, both within the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry, are also sitting on the group. The educational campaign, which should start in a few weeks' time, would be multi-faceted and would target different sections, including youths, Ms Cristina said, adding that the strongest message would be conveyed by them.
It would have to address teachers, the industry, which was against underage drinking, as well as those who enforce the law and English language schools for foreigners. Ms Cristina said it was important to educate the public on the law before it was introduced and to raise awareness about it.
The setting up of the group was a Cabinet decision, Ms Cristina said, adding that its task would be to ensure a steady stream of information to the public. The idea was to sensitise minors and provide them with the tools with which to say "no"; to highlight the harm underage drinking caused in society and to explain the implications that the proposed law would bring into force.
The inter-ministerial campaign was meant to complement those already run by Sedqa and the Health Promotion Department, she said.
"The government has always put the interests of children and youths at the forefront of its agenda. We are here today to state, in no uncertain terms, that it must no longer remain socially acceptable for minors to drink," Ms Cristina said. The ministry was also drafting an alcohol policy, she said.