A new Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has been launched in Margate to address the issue of underage drinking in the local community.  

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CAPs are community-led partnerships which bring together local police, councils, schools, retailers, and community groups. Their primary goal is to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being, and enhance the wider community. Partners include Kent County Council, Thanet District Council, Kent Police and Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

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The CAP in Margate will work to educate young people about underage drinking and help them to make better decisions about issues such as alcohol, drugs and anti-social behaviour.  

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It will do this in three ways:

• By working with schools and youth groups, the partnership will educate young people about the dangers of underage drinking and equip them to make responsible choices regarding alcohol, drugs, and anti-social behaviour.

• By working closely with local retailers to enforce regulations and prevent the illegal sale of alcohol to minors. This includes stopping illegal “proxy sales” where adults purchase alcohol for individuals under 18, and ensuring all retailers comply with the Challenge 25 policy.

• By providing positive and engaging activities for young people, offering them safe, supervised environments to socialise. These activities are a crucial part of the CAP strategy, providing an excellent opportunity to deliver alcohol education in an informal setting.

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The impact of CAPs has been measured and proven. Nationwide, partnerships have led to reductions in regular drinking among 13-16-year-olds and in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.  

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Kent Trading Standards Operations Manager Jim Whiddett said: “Community Alcohol Partnerships are tried and tested ways to successfully reduce the risk of underage sale that can help tackle drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

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“The collective efforts of Kent Trading Standards, police, local schools and other partners, to address the issue in Broadstairs and significantly reduce under-age alcohol sales recently received national recognition.

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KCC Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, Georgia Foster, said: “I am very proud of the important contribution Kent Trading Standards make to keeping our communities safe and ensuring lawful shops can thrive on the high street.

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“Of course, enforcement is only one part of the picture and collaboration really is key to addressing anti-social issues. I’m looking forward to following the progress of the Margate Community Alcohol Partnership.  

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“I’d also like to remind residents that if you’re worried about under-age alcohol sales where you live, you should report you concerns to the Citizens Advice consumer service. Alternatively, please report them anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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“Working together with police, schools and other partners, we’ll be aiming to repeat that success and make a difference in Margate so local communities feel protected and legitimate businesses and the valuable tourist trade are supported.”

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Kate Winstanley, Director of CAP said “We know from extensive research that underage drinking can lead to lots of challenges for young people in their education, relationships, health and increased risk of alcohol-related harm in later life.  CAP has proved to be a successful model for tackling underage drinking and just as importantly promoting positive health and wellbeing in children and young people. Our evidence shows that CAPs are extremely effective in reducing the supply of alcohol to children, underage alcohol consumption and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

“That’s why it’s great to see local partners coming together in Margate to highlight the risks of underage drinking and reduce alcohol harm among local children and young people.”  

She continued: “We are looking forward to seeing the initiatives that the CAP is working on and to making a positive difference to the local community.”

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