asked Her Majesty's Government:

What additional measures they will take, in light of the survey published in the Independent on Sunday on 18 February, to prevent the sale of alcohol to children and to educate parents on the danger to the health of their children from alcohol consumption. [HL2108]

Regular alcohol misuse enforcement campaigns led by the Home Office, in partnership with local trading standards departments, have targeted irresponsible retailers who sell alcohol to under-18s. They have demonstrated that enforcement can be effective. The Government also work with the alcohol industry to encourage it to fulfil its responsibilities and to carry out commitments not to sell alcohol to under-18s in industry codes of practice.

Protecting young people from alcohol misuse and educating children and their parents about the harms that alcohol may cause will be significant issues in the review of the Government’s alcohol strategy during 2007.