Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson said: “I strongly welcome this initiative. It provides clear proof that if people work with police they will get action on the ground. I have previously gone on patrol with officers and have seen police confiscating alcohol and pouring it down the drain. I am pleased that this type of pro-active initiative is being rolled out on a Northern Ireland-wide basis.
“The average age that children begin drinking has fallen to 11. This is a deeply disturbing trend and must be addressed urgently. I would strongly encourage the public to assist police in combating this problem because it’s the public that know where the underage drinking hotspots are in their community.
“This summer, Northern Ireland will see many summer schemes, midnight soccer initiatives and activities planned for young people, so there can be no excuse for underage drinking or anti-social behaviour.”
ENDS