A multi-agency initiative to tackle underage drinking and associated problems will launch in Aldershot as part of Alcohol Awareness Week (16 – 22 November).

Aldershot South Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) will educate the public on the impact alcohol abuse has on communities and will  reduce young people’s access to alcohol by building on existing work already undertaken by the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership.

The campaign will launch at Aldershot Town Football Club on Monday November 16.

Agencies and partners including The Connaught School, Rushmoor Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, Creating Futures, a charity for children and young people in Rushmoor, and Catch 22 (a charity which aims to deliver social benefit by turning lives around) will join licensed retailers to work together to reduce teen drinking and associated antisocial behaviour.

An action plan of activities will aim to bring about sustainable improvements through education, intelligence-led enforcement and offering positive alternatives to young people that promote a healthy lifestyle.

A priority for the campaign is reducing opportunities young people have to purchase alcohol.  To assist with this, Tesco will facilitate free training for independent retailers on responsible selling practises, including the ‘Challenge 25′ age-verification policy and how to spot fake identification.

The CAP will also look to engage and educate parents following a recent survey, which revealed parents to be the most likely provider of alcohol to young people.

Cllr Ken Muschamp, Rushmoor Cabinet Member for Safety and Regulation, said: “I am pleased to announce this new initiative for Aldershot South. We know from our recent survey work that reducing underage drinking is important to our local community. The knock-on effects of irresponsible drinking can be severe and together we can bring about a change in attitudes and behaviour.”

Derek Lewis, Chairman of Community Alcohol Partnerships said: “I am delighted at the launch of the Aldershot South CAP. Community Alcohol Partnerships are a tried and tested way of driving down underage drinking and creating better, safer and friendlier neighbourhoods.

These locally tailored projects have been shown to be highly effective in driving down harm. To be successful, we rely on the support of all our partners and the community itself.”

More information can be found at: www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk.