I found it funny when this ban came out.
Why?
Just..because it is?
I was out drinking at the age of 16, in pubs. I was drinking responsibly. I wasn't hanging around in some back alley or park with a bottle of cider. I had a small income, which went on a friday night out with friends.
My mother knew - and let me go. She knew i was a responsible young adult (i'd say somewhat "mature" for my age). I got a taxi home at the end of the night, and, probably the best years of my life were when i was 16/17.
I was served for cigarettes from the age of 14. Mainly because i looked older.
Age restrictions are there for a reason, because the "law" says so. Most shops i've worked in have been strict when it comes to serving people under the age of 21. I was a bit of an ass when it came to serving youngsters - really strict on I.D., but i know when i was that age i would have got it anyway.
And that's exactly it. If someone is going to drink or smoke, they will do so regardless of any age restrictions. Most parents i know will gladly let there 16/17 year old have a drink with friends - so long as they're careful about it.
I think this is mainly for the very young children/adults (11/12/13/14), because more and more stories are surfacing about these young children/adults becoming alcoholics. But then..surely the parents would notice? No?
It's down to parental responsibility. If your kid comes home trashed every evening, it's time to do something about it.
Do i agree in underage drinking? Depends. My mind doesn't specifically go towards the "Chavs with attitudes", mine goes towards the 16/17 year olds who i used to know down the local having a drink with friends. It's possibly because i come from an area where binge drinking in young teens isn't common.
Like i said - they'll get ahold of it anyway regardless..depending on how "strict" the workers are in the places you get alcohol from. Although i do know they send out people to get young teens to see if they can get served - if they do, well, lets just say the majority that i have known of get sacked. That's probably why i've been quite strict. No I.D., no booze or cigarettes.
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