Urgent Investigation Into Alcopops
The Home Secretary Jack Straw has ordered an urgent investigation into the sale of controversial alcopop drinks.
He said the Government was "deeply concerned" about the issues surrounding the sale of the alcoholic sweet drinks and warned under-age drinking could lead to a downward spiral of offending.
"Alcopops abuse is a real concern. We all know the links between alcohol abuse and crime," said Mr Straw. "Everything must be done to stop young people falling into a downward spiral of offending."
Announcing the review, Mr Straw said he was asking licensing minister George Howarth to address growing concerns about the drinks.
The announcement comes a day after alcopop makers were condemned as "grossly irresponsible" by a judge after he heard a 14-year-old boy got drunk on alcoholic lemonade and cider, and then burned down a school.
It also follows publication of a survey claiming more than half of Britain's teenagers drink the controversial drinks.
The survey of 700 children at seven schools showed that 59% of youngsters drink alcopops, the sweet-flavoured alcoholic drinks aimed at the youth market.
Home Office officials said the investigation reflected the Government's concern expressed in this week's Queen's Speech about links between youth crime and alcohol.
Responsibility for regulating alcopops, which have an average alcohol content of 5%, falls between several Government departments including the Home Office, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and
Food.
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