What contributes to underage youths going to Paceville clubs?

There is currently a spike in the ‘drink to have fun’ culture. Youths are searching for alcohol, and establishments that sell it, to hang out and have fun. Restrictions that rightly limit underage youths to non-alcoholic parties have pushed them to Paceville.

Thomas Bajada, 4th year BSc. (Hons) Biology and Chemistry

We lack alternative entertainment for young people. Teen parties encourage youths to embrace the partying culture, and they move from non-alcoholic to alcoholic parties while still in their teens.

Samantha Pace Gasan, 4th year BA (Hons) Social Policy

Teenagers nowadays are more attracted to entertainment aimed at adults than to the simple pleasures previous generations were accustomed to. While alternative entertainment for teens is quite limited, it is important for parents to guide their children in such choices.

Ryan Pace, 2nd year LL.D

Is there is enough enforcement in Paceville and other entertainment hubs?

Definitely not. There is urgent need to be tackle the problem of non-existent safety measures that cater for emergencies and limit the maximum number of people in an establishment. Higher penalties should be imposed on establishments that do not enforce the law on the minimum age of clients.

Thomas Bajada

Definitely not. Many clubs do not ask for identification, and some are known to be frequented by underage youths. Besides lack of enforcement of the minimum age limit, people still smoke in clubs and there is no control on the amount of alcohol they can consume. Further penalties should be put in place for clubs that do not abide by the law.

Samantha Pace Gasan

Definitely not. While it is crucial to review current legal provisions, authorities must enforce them to ensure that youths’ wellbeing is safeguarded and they do not fall prey to our commercially-driven society.

Ryan Pace

What entertainment should there be for underage youths?

Establishments offering safe alternative entertainment and non-alcoholic drinks should be encouraged to cater for such youths.

Thomas Bajada

We need a cultural change. Too few youths take part in sports and cultural activities. We need to embrace the outdoor environment and youth hubs should be allowed to stay open for longer hours.

Samantha Pace Gasan

There is need for an in-depth analysis of the issue. But a place that has, of late, been inundated by gentlemen’s clubs and fights is no longer a suitable place for such youths.

Ryan Pace

(Compiled by Insite – the student media organisation)