Warning Over Underage Drinking

Police have issued a warning to the parents of young people expecting to receive their GCSE results this week over planned attempts to enter licensed premises.

Officers in Omagh said they aware of some young people planning to celebrate in the town or in Enniskillen.

The results are set to be published this Thursday, 22 August. Pupils awaiting GCSE grades in Northern Ireland are mostly aged 16 or 17.

Parents are urged to speak to their teenage children and remind them of the law surrounding under-age drinking, as police prepare to patrol areas where large amounts of students are expected to gather.

Writing in a post on Facebook, a spokesperson for PSNI Omagh said: "Regardless of what anyone thinks of allowing under 18's to enter public houses/clubs and/or drink alcohol, it remains the fact that it is strictly against the law. 

"There will be police at these locations on Thursday night to ensure no under 18 year old enters a licensed premises. Staff have also been reminded to take extra precautions to ensure this does not happen. They are also reminded that unless a person appearing underage produces a driving licence or passport (which belongs to them) they will not be admitted. No other form of identification will be permitted, so no online generated or purchased fake ID. 

"One of the problems is that if your son or daughter is not allowed access to the pub or club they will be roaming the streets which is not good either."

The officers urged parents to discuss the guidance with their teenagers ahead of the results celebrations. "You as the parent are responsible for your son or daughter, and you must do everything possible to ensure their safety," the statement continued.

"If police detect a young person entering a licensed premises they will be stopped, and you will be called to collect your son or daughter. You BOTH will then be required to attend a Youth Resolution Programme in the future delivered by Youth Justice Agency and the PSNI.

"It is fully recognised that parenting is a challenging job, but please please help us to keep your son or daughter safe.

"Please don't allow the evening of a momentous day be marred by an encounter with police."



(JG/CM)