08/10/2013 - Permalink

Community Alcohol Partnership urges people to have their say about underage drinking in their area

Related topics: Community

Shropshire’s Community Alcohol Partnership (Shrop-CAP) is urging residents to give their views on underage drinking in their area by completing a short survey.

The survey, which has now been extended until the end of October 2013, has been set up to help identify and address those areas affected by the impact associated with underage drinking, such as anti-social behavior, crime and health problems.

Shrop-CAP is a multi-agency partnership set up to oversee a scheme to reduce the consequences of underage drinking thanks to funding of £90,000, over two years (£45,000 per year), through the Department of Communities and Local Government.  Shrop-CAP comprises of Shropshire’s drug and alcohol action team, West Mercia Police, and Shropshire Council’s positive activities and trading standards teams.

The partnership is working on many initiatives, including tackling proxy purchasing, where over 18s purchase alcohol and supply it to young people who are under 18; providing alcohol awareness and information to communities; and working with young people on developing positive activities.

Shrop-CAP also works with local traders to ensure they are fully aware of the possible consequences of selling alcohol to under 18s, and can provide information and training to licensees to help reduce proxy purchases of alcohol.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, and Chair of Shrop-CAP, said:

“Underage alcohol consumption has significant costs to both young people and society, whether it’s incurred through anti-social behaviour, crime or health problems.

“I strongly encourage residents to take part in the survey.  By taking part, residents can help us identify and tackle this issue by working with local communities and promoting healthier lifestyles for young people.”

Five local Community Alcohol Partnership groups address the specific issues in their area:-

  • Bridgnorth (B-CAP)
  • Whitchurch (W-CAP)
  • Ludlow (L-CAP)
  • Minsterley / Pontesbury (M&P-CAP)
  • Oswestry (Os-CAP),

To take part in the survey, go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ShropCAPsurvey. The survey will only take around 10 minutes.

Closing date for the survey is 31 October 2013.

For further information about Shrop-CAP, please visit http://shropcap.wordpress.com/

You can also follow us on twitter at @shropcap.