The Broomfields Youth Project in Warrington was set up to deal with the problems of underage drinkers in the town on a Friday night. The project has won awards for its efforts in keeping youth crime numbers down and John is the core to its success.
Introduction for documentary:
Whether you’re the drinker, police or just a person who sees it as an issue, affects us all. 50% of teenagers have had alcohol or been drunk, with a fifth of teenagers having drunk regularly from the age of 12.
Introduction to band:
England is said to be the worst place in Europe for underage drinking. It is estimated that half of 16 and 17 year olds drink alcohol at least once a week. Even after the challenge 25 scheme was introduced in 2005 it is clear that underage drinking is still a huge problem.
Statistics with bottles:
Over the past four years only 16 people have been convicted for buying alcohol for under 18s, but surveys have shown that just over 50% of the teenagers questioned do get alcohol from friends who are over 18 or their parents.
Radio:
Radio:
The average age of a young person’s first alcoholic drink is 13
Clip from under 18s interview ‘it’s not the norm but most people do it’
Clip from youth worker interview ‘it’s been happening for 20 years’
Few clips from the vox pop
Clip from police interview ‘it is a waste of our time and resources’
Clip from underage band interview ‘if you want alcohol you can get it’
Have we bottled it? Smells like teen spirits, Thursday at 10 on channel 4.
