A Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) has launched in Preston and will work with youth services and local organisations to highlight the risks of underage drinking and offer alcohol-free activities for young people.

It will work to improve the health and wellbeing of young people and also work with schools to take a proactive approach to alcohol education.

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Working with local retailers the CAP aims to help them avoid making underage sales and reduce ‘proxy’ sales where adults buy alcohol for under-18s. 

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CAPs are made up of partnerships between local authorities, police, schools, retailers, neighbourhood groups and health providers, working together to prevent alcohol-related harm to young people and improve the quality of life for residents. More than 200 schemes have now been launched across England, Scotland and Wales. 

In Preston, partners include Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Police, substance misuse services, Community Gateway plus local schools and retailers.

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Kate Winstanley, director of Community Alcohol Partnerships, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of a CAP in Preston. 

“Underage drinking is associated with school and educational problems, unprotected sex, drug-taking, violence and drinking problems in later life.

“In just over a decade CAP has set up more than 200 partnerships around the UK and our evaluations show they are having a significant impact on reducing children’s alcohol consumption, improving their health and wellbeing and enhancing the communities where they live.” 

Councillor Robert Boswell, Cabinet member for environment and community safety at Preston City Council, said: “Concerns were raised by the community about young people’s drinking and anti-social behaviour. To tackle the issues raised a Community Alcohol Partnership has been established with partner agencies and the community working together to help reduce some of the harm that alcohol causes in our communities and to our young people.

“We believe it will be a really positive influence on the area.”

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