Date: 28 December 2012
Think Before You Buy under 18s a Drink
Think before you buy under 18s a drink. This is the message being supported by the local Waitomo community based
‘Reducing Risk Team’ this holiday season.
The Christmas and New Year holiday period is a time when young people can be at particular risk of alcohol-fuelled harm.
This can result in them being left with feelings of regret. With support from the Te Kuiti High School, the “Reducing
Risk Team” has developed several projects to reduce the harm experienced by young people as a result of being supplied
alcohol.
Waikato District Health Board health promoter Clowdy Ngatai says: “These projects are about providing the facts around
how we can be more responsive to young people and their right to be kept safe. It’s understanding that parents and older
friends should not compromise, keeping to the rules, even when boundaries are being pushed. The role of adults is
essential in reducing the harm linked with the early onset of drinking among young people. It’s a tough topic and we are
aware of how difficult it can be. The hope is that these projects go part way to providing families and older friends
with better skills to cope.”
The community based project uses key messages and local images to encourage those over the 18 year old purchase age, to
think before buying under 18s alcohol. This initial phase incorporates three parts:
• The use of LCD screens at the point of sale in three local off licences to promote key messages
• Stickers outlining the legal requirements around alcohol sale and purchase
• a note pad with alcohol facts, local support services and tips for parents to keep their young people safe.
“The local off licences should be commended for supporting this project by hosting the LCD screens in their premises and
for their willingness to spread the messages on both the notepads and the stickers within the community,” said Mrs
Ngatai.
“These retailers have no legal obligation to take part in this type of project but understand the risk young people are
faced with time and time again.”
ENDS