Fenland town Whittlesey has just begun a "Think 21" scheme that encourages alcohol retailers to ask any customer who looks younger than 21 for ID (story here). This follows implementation of the scheme in nearby Peterborough and is driven by concerns about anti-social behaviour and disorder.
Peterborough Today reported in June:
An emergency meeting has been held in an attempt to stop underage binge drinking in a town. Terrified residents have reported that gangs of youths shout and swear, vandalise property and smash glass bottles on the streets of Whittlesey.
The number of youngsters congregating and drinking in the Market Place, every weekend, has become a growing problem since November. When town councillors, police and youth workers went out on to the streets to investigate one night, they discovered about 90 children drinking illegally.
Meanwhile, on the south coast in Dorset, the November launch of Blitz 2005 in Weymouth is being planned. The scheme will educate young people (it's aimed at Year 10 students) about alcohol and promote alcohol-free alternative activities. Businesses, clubs and leisure organisations are invited to sign up to the Blitz Card scheme that offers young people concessions on goods and services (story here, and a Local Government News report here).
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