Ulster Unionist Party Health spokesperson Roy Beggs has called for a fresh approach to tackle the growing problem of drugs and alcohol misuse amongst young people. Tom Elliott, the Ulster Unionist Party Spokesperson for the Environment has said that the law needs strengthened to tackle underage drinking on buses.
Roy Beggs MLA said:
“The picture emerging of what happened outside and inside the Odyssey Arena on Thursday night is shocking, not just because the sheer numbers of people needing medical help, but also the age of so many of those affected.
“The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, as well as other groups that were on the ground such as the SOS Bus volunteers, deserve great credit for responding to what was a very dangerous situation so quickly and effectively. Once more we must thank our already heavily pressed A&E staff who had to treat so many young patients as a result of alcohol and/or drug intoxication- which can be life threatening.
“Alcohol and drugs misuse is one of the main pressures on public health in Northern Ireland. It has huge impacts and cost repercussions on our health service, as well as often being directly associated with anti-social behaviour.
“Consuming alcohol should be done responsibly and only by those old enough to legally do so. The effects of alcohol on young people are not the same as they are on adults, and unfortunately it is our emergency services that are left dealing with the consequences.”
Tom Elliott MLA said:
“There is a growing trend in Northern Ireland amongst younger people, of drinking excessively on public service vehicles en route to night time venues and concerts.
Whilst the consumption of alcohol on board public service vehicles is already an offence which carries a fine of £1,000, the current law is widely considered to be ineffective.
“It is very difficult to prove the law has been broken as it is not an offence to carry alcohol on a vehicle, just to consume it. In order to pursue a prosecution the PSNI must actually witness the individuals consuming alcohol. I would call on the Minister to bring forward new regulations, based on the public consultation exercise on the issue carried out last year. This would allow the PSNI to adopt a common sense approach. Until he does, the law in relation to underage and excessive drinking on buses will remain virtually unenforceable.”