Binge Britain: Now under-21s face ban on buying alcohol

Young adults could be banned from buying alcohol in shops in a bid to tackle alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

The pioneering scheme would see off-licence owners and supermarket bosses asked to stop selling drink to under-21s.

The scheme would be voluntary, but those behind it hope it could be key to fighting the scourge of anti-social behaviour in towns and cities around the country.

The scheme has been proposed in the London Borough of Croydon and if successful could be adopted by a string of other councils.

London Mayor Boris Johnson, who has already given his backing to the scheme, said: 'I do think that we have got a huge problem with binge-drinking, under-age drinking and general abuse of alcohol in this city, and I certainly think that this idea is a very interesting one.

'Where we have got particular problems in particular areas, off-licences and supermarkets should stop the sale of alcohol to the under-21s.'

He said that rather than imposing a blanket ban across the capital, boroughs should look at the proposal individually.

'I do think this is something where the boroughs can take a lead and banish the scourge of binge drinking,' he added.

The proposal, that will be put to consultation with traders in Croydon, follows a similar idea in Scotland.

A pilot project in the West Lothian town of Armadale, where sales to teenagers were stopped at weekends, resulted in a drop in incidents of assault and vandalism.

Selling drink to under-21s has been banned in America for more than 20 years, and is said to have cut fatalities involving drivers by 13 per cent.

Croydon council Steve O'Connell said he had suggested the scheme after the successful introduction of a similar voluntary under-21 limit in bars and clubs in the town.

'Yes, it will effect the bottom line for traders - but hopefully it will create an environment of recognition for them as well as social responsibility and a better environment on the street,' he said.

'Over time we may see a better quality of life.'

Croydon will now seek to put together a strategy it can propose to licensees, although it expects it will be several months before measures will be in place.

However, there are already reservations about such a project.

In Scotland traders have warned of the risk of mixed messages being sent out to young people by a two-tier limit.

Meanwhile, Frank Sodeen, of the charity Alcohol Concern, said it might detract from efforts to combat illegal under-age drinking.

He added: 'There is a risk that this would alienate people, and it is also difficult to see how it would work unless every shop agreed to take part. Otherwise 20-year-olds will find it pretty easy to find the places where they can still buy alcohol.'