Tain tackles underage drinking menace
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THE worrying trend of children as young as 12 underage drinking was one of the concerns highlighted at a public meeting in Tain.
Tain Youth Cafe YMCA hosted the gathering to explore both the underage drinking and late night binge drinking in the town which is causing widespread disquiet.
Youngsters and their parents, as well as representatives from Highland Council, Northern Constabulary and Tain Community Council all attended.
Graham Nutt, the youth and community worker for the Tain Youth Cafe YMCA, described the discussions as "honest, frank and realistic".
He said there was a general acknowledgement that the issue wasn’t just one agency’s responsibility but a social problem which would require a long-term strategy and funding.
There were several key concerns identified, including:
• The worrying trend of underage drinking now reaching 12 and 13 year olds
• The purchase of alcohol and stronger policing of this through the outlets of Tain
• The lack of role models in some cases
• The need for more antisocial programmes
• Lack of late night transport
Graham said it was a really positive meeting and there was a clear acknowledgement that the situation had to change before something serious happened.
He said there had already been a move to improve the pub watch scheme, a meeting of the local ministers has been called to explore the Street Pastors scheme and applications have gone in for funding for new antisocial projects aimed at the younger teenagers.
However, he stressed that these are not quick fix solutions and is encouraging all parents to discuss this issue with their children. He is also urging parents to stay up and wait for their teenagers to come on a Friday night to find out where they have been.
A follow-up meeting is expected to be held in August.
