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Police chief calls for drinking age to be loweredPolice chief calls for drinking age to be lowered
The Isle of Man government will consider allowing 16-year-olds to drink in pubs to stop binge drinking
A senior police officer on the Isle of Man has called for the law to be changed to allow 16 year-olds to drink in pubs.
Deputy chief constable Gary Roberts said that the island has a massive problem with young people putting themselves in danger by drinking large quantities unsupervised in alleyways and back lanes.
He said pubs would introduce teenagers to alcohol in a responsible way.
“We think when it’s an issue about teaching young people to drink and the on-trade is probably better placed to do that than anyone else,” He said. “We have a very very responsible licensed trade. It’s a supervised area where they can learn and if it’s a privilege, that privilege can be withdrawn.”
He added the measure was currently being considered by politicians on the island. As the Isle of Man is self-governed, it is able to introduce new laws independently of the rest of the UK.
Chief constable Roberts added: “Our politicians are actively looking at it. Our hopes are that it will be introduced. I don’t see any reason why it shouldn’t be.”
Neil Williams, communications manager at the British Beer & Pub Association, which runs the Challenge 21 scheme, said: “It seems like a common sense approach and we will watch with interest if it happens. Clearly it makes sense that young people are introduced to alcohol in a responsible way are more likely to end up responsible drinkers.”
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