Underage drinkers to go back to ‘school’

UNDERAGE drinkers will now have the education book thrown at them if they commit an alcohol-related offence in Casey.
The new measures will begin tomorrow (Friday) as part of a program designed to educate young people and parents living in the City of Casey about the risks associated with underage drinking.
The Casey Alcohol Diversion Program will be run by police in partnership with the City of Casey and South East Alcohol and Drug Service (SEADS).
The new educational program will give police and local laws officers another option when dealing with young people who have committed alcohol-related off-ences such as drinking underage or being underage in licensed premises.
Instead of simply issuing a fine or police caution, officers will be able to divert young people and their parents into a two-hour education session.
Casey Youth Resource Officer Senior Constable Chris Atherton said underage drinking was a significant problem in the City of Casey that police were actively working to address.
Sen Const Atherton will coordinate the program with Narre Warren Youth Resource Officer Senior Constable Dave Smith and Cranbourne Youth Resource Officer Senior Constable Brett Owen.
The alcohol diversion program will educate parents and young people about the risks and responsibilities associated with underage drinking, she said.
“We believe it will be far more effective than simply issuing a fine, instead creating a better understanding in the community about the issues surrounding alcohol and young people.”
Sen Const Atherton said many parents were not aware that supplying alcohol to their underage children was an offence under the Liquor Licensing Act and could attract an on the spot fine.
She said many teenagers held the mistaken belief that if their parents were aware that they had alcohol or knew they were taking liquor to a party then it was all legal.
“Every underage drinking experience has the potential to result in harm, jeopardise personal health or lead to anti-social or risk taking behaviour.
“We are hopeful that this new program will help reduce the number of alcohol related incidents in the City of Casey involving young people while further strengthening ties between police and the local community,” Sen Cost Atherton said.