PSNI appeal for support in tackling under-age drinking in Derry

By Rebekah Logan

Parents, bars and the local community are being asked to pledge their support in tackling under-age drinking.

The PSNI says there's been an increase in the number of reports in Derry-Londonderry, particularly around the City Walls.

Sergeant Neville Martin said:

"We are aware of the impact under-age drinking can have on the individual and on the community and we are working to tackle the problem. We take a very pro-active approach working in collaboration with our partner agencies such as local councils, local community groups and licensed premises to tackle this issue in a co-ordinated way.

“Police will exploit all opportunities to address these problems, however, to do this effectively we require the help and support of everyone in the community Young people are reminded that not only is drinking under the age of 18 illegal, but that alcohol can also affect your ability to make good choices. You could end up doing things you would never consider doing sober like getting involved in anti-social behaviour, public disorder or other criminality, such as criminal damage, theft or assaults."

In a social media post on Saturday evening, police in Foyle revealed they had seized a large quantity of alcohol from kids on the City Walls earlier in the day. 

"There are also relevant offences under Section 6 of the Identity Cards Act 2010 which police intend to enforce where young people use Fake ID, or someone else’s ID to gain entry to Licenced Premises. "There are consequences for anyone found committing any criminal act and, if convicted in court, can have severe consequences for future job prospects or even travel to countries such as the USA, Canada or Australia which will not issue a Visa to persons with criminal records no matter how minor," Sergeant Martin continued. 

“We will have an increased focus in this area over the next number of weeks and months and we will continue to work tirelessly to keep people safe.

“We would ask members of the community to continue to report any concerns so police can respond and deter and detect offenders.”