Police are urging parents to be vigilant against underage drinking after a 13-year-old Worksop girl was left critically ill at a party.
The girl had attended the ‘drinking party’ last Saturday (22nd June) at a field in Kilton following an invite on social media.
An ambulance was called at around 9.45pm and the unconscious teenager was taken to Bassetlaw General Hospital. She was subsequently placed on a ventilator in the Intensive Care Unit.
Sergeant Mark Goddard said: “Thankfully the girl has made a full recovery, but this could easily have ended very differently.”
“We take underage drinking very seriously, not just in terms of protecting children, but also preventing the antisocial behaviour this activity inevitably leads to.”
“Hopefully this incident will act as a cautionary tale to parents and those who participate in underage drinking.”
“To parents I ask you this: Do you know where your children go when they leave the house? Do you know what alcohol you keep at home? Would you notice if any of it was missing? If you answer no to any of these questions, perhaps it’s time you found out.”
If you suspect someone is selling alcohol to or buying alcohol for under-18s call on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Under the Licensing Act 2003 it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to purchase alcohol. It is also illegal for them to consume alcohol on licensed premises or outside of a private residence.
These offences can attract fines and, for repeat offenders, jail. And this is notwithstanding any subsequent charges in relation to drink-fuelled antisocial behaviour.
It is also illegal to attempt to purchase alcohol with the use of a fake ID.
Sgt Goddard said: “You also face a fine or jail if you sell alcohol to or buy alcohol for someone under the age of 18 – this includes brothers and sisters buying booze for their younger siblings.
“Providing youngsters with access to alcohol is irresponsible. There are reasons why we have laws governing this, both to protect the health and welfare of the child, and to reduce the ensuing effects on the community.”
Notts Police officers are working with schools across Bassetlaw in a bid to educate youngsters on the dangers of alcohol.
For advice for parents on protecting your children against alcohol visit the Drinking and You website at www.drinkingandyou.com/site/pdf/parentsguide.pdf