Jacqui Smith met local MP Emily Thornberry, who introduced her to Angel's police team to discuss Islington's problems with under-age drinkers and binge drinking. After their conversation, the Home Secretary, speaking from Upper Street's Business Design Centre, announced a nationwide alcohol action plan, including a crackdown on underage drinkers this half-term.
The Home Secretary's package of measures includes:
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February half-term holiday crackdown: an £875,000 programme to confiscate alcohol from under-18 year olds drinking in public;
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Confronting binge drinking: a multi-million pound Government campaign this summer to make people wake up to the dangers of binge drinking;
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Getting the industry in line: an independent review of whether the alcohol retail industry is selling drink responsibly.
Emily said:
"As a parent, I am very concerned about young people being sold alcohol and then binge drinking on the streets around Islington. I have told Jacqui about the problems in our area and I have asked her to help the police, who are already doing a great job, with extra powers to tackling street-drinking and irresponsible licensees."
The Home Secretary is also writing to all Chief Constables and local authority chief executives today to set out the full range of powers now available to them.
Jacqui Smith said:
"Government must lead the way and I am determined to use all the powers at my disposal to bring about change. To do this we also need the support of industry, enforcement authorities and communities. We all need to meet our responsibilities to make a difference."
