Kent Community Alcohol Partnership (KCAP) - Parents

Parent of underage youngsters?

Talking to under 18's about drinking - be open with your youngsters and explain the pros and cons of drinking without lecturing. Warn them how easy it is for inexperienced drinkers to go over their limits and make a fool of themselves. You should also remind them that their personal safety is compromised when they are drunk.

What if my youngster comes home drunk?

Don’t shout and lecture your child. Sit them down and talk to them about it calmly. Getting angry could make them more likely to deceive you in future, and it’s always better to know where your youngster is and what they’re doing.

I know where my youngster buys their alcohol

Let us know by email at KCAP@kent.gov.uk or call us on 08458 247247. We can visit the retailer and advise them of their responsibilities.

What are the government guidelines on alcohol for under 18s?

Official government advice for young people and their parents about alcohol was published in January 2009 by the Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson.

His recommendations are:

Children should not drink before they’re 15, if at all.
15-17-years-olds should only drink when they’re supervised by a parent or other adult.
If 15-17-year-olds drink, they should do so infrequently and definitely on no more than one day a week. Parents and young people should be aware that drinking, even at age 15 or older, can be dangerous to health. Not drinking is the healthiest option for young people.
The importance of parents’ influence on their children’s drinking should be made clear. Parents and carers need advice on how to respond to alcohol use and misuse by children.
Support services must be available for young people who have alcohol-related problems and their parents.

Buying alcohol for underage youngsters

If your underage youngster asks you to buy alcohol for them, don’t be tempted. This is called a proxy sale and you could get an £80 on the spot fine or face prosecution with a fine up to £5000