Youngsters doctor driving licences used as IDs to get drinks in pubs

It will feature posters in public areas as well as materials in off-licenses and schools right across Lisburn.

The theme was developed by young people and is supported by local businesses, community groups and the police.

Constable Willie Johnston said police recognised the serious problems of buying drink for under-18s.

He said the campaign "graphically illustrates the legal implications" of adults buying alcohol for chidren.

"We are also committed to being pro-active in the enforcement of the licensing laws and in educating members of the community as to their legal responsibilities."

Design

The campaign was developed as part of the Millennium Volunteers 'Just Say Know' project, and the young people themselves feature in the campaign materials.

Alison Patton is Millennium Volunteers Co-ordinator at Ascert and, along with the YMCA in Lisburn, has been supporting the young people involved in the campaign design.

"We know that often young people approach someone who is over 18 to buy alcohol for them from off-licenses. We want to get the message across to adults that this is not acceptable.

"It may be legal for them to buy the alcohol in the first place, but they are committing an offence if they then pass it on to someone under the legal age and that can carry a fine of up to �5,000 or a lengthy jail term.

"We want to drive the message home that when they purchase alcohol for an under age drinker they are partly responsible for the behaviour of the young person."

The campaign is also aimed at young people themselves, encouraging them not to drink under the legal age.

Staci Webb, 16, one of the young Millennium Volunteers said: "A lot of people I know who are my age, drink regularly and at times have gotten themselves into a lot of trouble as a result.