Call for better enforcement of underage drinking laws

The Children’s Commissioner and the Education Ministry have called for better enforcement of laws governing underage drinking and adult entertainment but the Justice Ministry believes the law is being maintained in Paceville.

The reactions come in the wake of a story in The Sunday Times which exposed how accessible alcohol is for youngsters in Paceville.

A 16-year-old teen with braces and a complexion that betrays his age accompanied Sunday Times journalists between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. to Paceville and St Julians on a Friday night to witness the prevalence of underage drinking.

The teenager was even allowed into a gentlemen’s club which declares it does not allow entry to people under 18. The youngster said these clubs were actually “easier to access than normal clubs” in some cases. The group of teens he goes out with occasionally pay for a lap dance, though they cannot afford the nude ones.

When questioned in the wake of the article, a Justice Ministry spokesman argued that it was wrong to conclude that these instances of law violations described in the article were tantamount to lack of law enforcement.

The spokesman argued that the impression created by the article “does not tally with the data that is available” and stressed that Paceville was policed heavily, particularly on weekends.

In fact, he pointed out that to date, 1,023 charges had been issued by plain clothes police officers for offences such as smoking in public places, underage smoking, underage drinking and admission of underage patrons.

Some 75 similar charges were issued by the district police, the ministry said.

But these figures might actually not tally with reality. While out on town, the journalists witnessed a particular establishment that serves as a pizzeria by day and a bar at night, serving alcohol to a group of youngsters which included a large group of minors.

The very offers luring the youngsters seemed designed for the younger, less affluent crowd – €14 for unlimited drinks between 9 p.m. and midnight.

In fact, the Children’s Commissioner, Helen D’Amato voiced her concern about lack of effective enforcement, in spite of the ministry’s position, pointing out that this worry was highlighted in the office’s last annual report.

The commissioner emphasised that the law encompassing underage drinking should be implemented in all outlets where people under 17 have access, including supermarkets.

“It is hoped that the necessary measures will be taken in order for present legislation to be observed to the greatest possible extent,” the commissioner said, adding that alcohol consumption prevention should be given the same importance as that given to drugs.

The education ministry also chipped in, stressing that youngsters should not be allowed into gentlemen’s clubs and legal steps should be taken whenever a breach is detected.

Sedqa also advocated that legislation banning consumption and purchasing of alcohol by under-17s be enforced.

The agency, which last month talked of an “urgent need” for a national alcohol policy, said it would be misleading to give the impression that Paceville was the ultimate place where all young people yearned to be.

It highlighted the need for attractive alternative leisure activities to be promoted and pointed out that problems relating to alcohol abuse were not restricted to the physical and psychological effects.

“Other problems may include risky sexual behaviour which may lead to pregnancy, difficult and violent behaviours, deterioration in academic achievement and petty crime, among others,” Sedqa said.