New Community Alcohol Partnership Takes on Underage Drinking in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly
A fresh Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) launched today, Thursday 31 October 2024, is set to tackle underage drinking head-on in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly. The initiative aims to shield kids and teens from the dangers of alcohol misuse by offering alcohol-free activities and educating young people on making smarter choices.
Crackdown on Underage and Proxy Sales
The partnership will team up with local youth services, schools, and organisations like Fife Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue, and Fife Golf Trust. A key part of CAP’s mission is to prevent sales of alcohol to under-18s—including the sneaky “proxy” purchases by adults buying booze for kids.
Police officers coordinated in Cowdenbeath will lead the charge, working with retailers and community groups to keep alcohol out of young hands and curb related anti-social and criminal behaviour.
Voices from the Frontline
Community Policing Sergeant John Nicol said: “Young people face tough challenges. We must give them the confidence to make the right choices. Alcohol abuse can wreck those chances and affect the whole community. This partnership listens to local concerns and brings everyone together to make a difference.”
Kate Winstanley, Director at CAP, added: “Research shows underage drinking causes social and educational problems. Our CAPs reduce alcohol use significantly among 13 to 16-year-olds by tackling the roots of the problem in each community.”
Councillor Rosemary Liewald called on locals to get involved: “As a preventative project halting alcohol addiction, let’s get everyone on board.”
About the Partnership
- CAPs are community-led, involving police, schools, retailers, and local authorities.
- Each CAP is tailored to local needs, ensuring effective results.
- Focus areas include education, alcohol-free activities, and preventing illegal sales.
This new CAP aims to build a stronger, safer community by empowering young people to avoid the devastating consequences of early alcohol use.
