Bedale booze campaign steps up a gear

5:10pm Wednesday 19th November 2008

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A CAMPAIGN to rid a market town of alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour has been stepped up a gear.

Education sessions for school students have taken place as part of the alcohol respect campaign, in Bedale.

The campaign, spearheaded by North Yorkshire County Council’s trading standards, is aimed at preventing underage drinking in the town.

Trading standards officers talked to students at Bedale High School as part of citizenship classes, explaining some of the health issues related to alcohol.

Councillor Clare Wood, the county council’s executive member for trading standards, said: "The early stages of the campaign focused on the local retailers refusing sales to minors.

"This was followed by steps to tackle proxy sales where adults were buying alcohol to pass on to youngsters. This latest step is an attempt to educate young people about the possible consequences of underage drinking for both themselves and their friends."

Councillor John Weighell, who represents Bedale, said: "By treating our young people as adults and giving them the facts about the consequences of underage drinking, we are including them in the alcohol respect campaign.

"Bedale is their home town as well and we want our young people to be involved in the quality of life issues which affect the whole community."