WSTA backs parental guidance

Published: 17 December, 2009

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association has welcomed new guidelines on when parents should introduce children to alcohol.

The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, issued guidance saying that no alcohol should be given to under-15s and that under-17s should only drink under supervision.

Sir Liam said it was "misguided" to let children drink alcohol to prepare them for adulthood and that a laissez-faire approach could lead to young people binge drinking later in life.

WSTA chief executive Jeremy Beadles said: "We welcome the Chief Medical Officer's clear guidance.

"The role of parents is hugely important in instilling a responsible attitude to alcohol, especially as Government research indicates that the majority of 11-15-year-olds who have tried alcohol are getting it from their parents or other family members.

"The Chief Medical Officer's views on minimum pricing are well known, but it would be totally wrong to suggest that pricing be used to address under-age drinking when it is illegal for someone under 18 to purchase and possess alcohol."

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