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LONDON - Binge drinking by young Britons, some only 11, has rocketed in the past few years, particularly among girls, according to a new report, prompting calls to make it illegal to give alcohol to children under 15.
The study by Alcohol Concern in Britain said the amount of liquor consumed by girls had increased 82.6 per cent between 2000 and 2006. Boys were drinking 43.4 per cent more.
"Binge drinking by children can have serious consequences for brain function, significantly raises the risk of alcohol dependency in later life and diminishes their life chances," said chief executive Srabani Sen.
Ambulance crews say they are regularly picking up youngsters who have drunk themselves senseless.
Alcohol Concern, a voluntary agency on alcohol misuse, called for the law to be changed to make it illegal to provide anyone under 15 with alcohol.
At present it is illegal to sell alcohol to under-18s in a pub or shop, but adults can give drinks to children as young as 5 in a private home.
Enforcement of the law on underage purchases should be stepped up, the agency said, citing Home Office figures that showed that in tests 29 per cent of underage participants were able to buy alcohol in bars and 21 per cent in shops.
Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said figures showed the number of people between 11 and 15 who drank had fallen and the Government was trying with the alcohol industry to encourage responsible drinking.
But Conservative Party health spokesman Andrew Lansley said the report was "deeply worrying".
The Liberal Democrats described the Government's strategy as "ineffective".
Spokeswoman Sandra Gidley said health professionals "have repeatedly warned ministers about the increasing danger of drinking among young people, but far too little has been done".
- REUTERS
