New projects to tackle underage drinking have been launched in Merseyside, with the opening of three new Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAPs) in Birkenhead, New Brighton and Wallasey.

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These three new partnerships take the total number of CAPs across England, Scotland and Wales to 300.

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The launch, which took place on 14 February 2025 in Birkenhead, brought together a broad coalition of organisations, including Merseyside Police, Wirral Public Health, Wirral Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour team and Trading Standards, and youth groups like ‘The Hive.’  

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These new CAPs join a growing network of over 300 partnerships across the UK, a significant milestone for the organisation. Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP, commented, “Reaching 300 partnerships nationwide is a testament to the dedication of communities across the UK to tackling underage drinking. Each CAP is a unique collaboration, bringing together local expertise and resources to create real, positive change. We know from data that there is a real need for CAPs in the North West as there is prevalence of underage drinking problems and harm and we look forward to addressing these issues and creating positive change.”

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Attendees at the launch discussed action plans centred on several key objectives:

• High-impact alcohol education and awareness programs for young people, parents, and the wider community.

• Reducing alcohol/substance-related anti-social behaviour, vulnerability, and risk-taking behaviour in under 18s.

• Promoting and raising awareness of positive, diversionary activities for young people.

• Reducing incidents of alcohol sales to young people and enforcing Challenge 25 at licensed premises.

• Reducing proxy purchasing and the general supply of alcohol to under 18s.

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The initiative has received endorsement from Merseyside’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Jeanie Bell, who said:

_{“Whilst we understand that for many, their teenage years are a time they may wish to experiment, it’s important we acknowledge that some of the behaviours that can evolve, consequently can leave them vulnerable and harm their development and prospects.}

_{“Growing up, young people encounter many challenging situations, so it is vital we ensure they have the confidence to help them make the right decisions as well as access to services that aid positive development. This is especially important when you consider the detrimental impacts alcohol abuse has on a person’s ability to make the right choices. Anti-social drinking also impacts the local community. It can lead to young people behaving in a way that they wouldn’t normally do and that can lead to criminality. That is why we are working with the community to understand their concerns and I’m confident that these new CAP initiatives will help to tackle some of these issues."}

_{“Selling alcohol to minors is illegal so it’s important to target those licensed premises who are breaking the law by serving underage people. This is wholly irresponsible, and any retailer found to be doing so should be in no doubt that they will be held accountable.}

_{“There are many great organisations across the Wirral who provide our young people with positive diversionary activities and their support will prove invaluable in helping us to reach more young people to raise awareness of the risks of underage drinking. Through education and by taking a pro-active, multi-agency approach we can help young people make better choices around alcohol and reduce the harm it causes, ensuring brighter, healthier futures for them and the communities they live in.”}

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Looking forward, the partnerships plan to explore expanding their work to other areas of Merseyside, including Southport, where similar challenges related to underage drinking and anti-social behaviour have been identified. The launch represents a significant step forward in Merseyside's ongoing commitment to tackling underage drinking.

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For media information, please contact: Samantha Patel, Communications Manager sam@communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk.