Exclusions expose scale of underage drinking- The Observer,
- Sunday November 2 2008
Tens of thousands of pupils are being excluded from school for drinking, according to new research which undermines the government's claims that its efforts to curb alcohol-related antisocial behaviour are working.
The research, based on an analysis of figures from government departments, also raises doubts about whether shops and bars are doing enough to clamp down on underage drinking. In 2006, the most recent year for which figures are available, more than 500,000 under-18s were served alcohol in bars and more than 350,000 bought alcohol in shops.
The figures also suggest there may be a close link between underage drinking and crime: half of all 10-17s who drank once a week or more (350,000) are said to have committed a criminal offence.
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