The poster has been distributed to all establishments that sell alcoholic beverages, including among others bars, supermarkets and clubs, to be affixed in strategic areas within their establishment.

This is the first time that all these organisations have joined forces in a similar campaign, and is a clear sign that all stakeholders involved are against the consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors, and are taking an active stand against the sale of such products to persons under 16 years of age, which practice is also forbidden by the law. All organisations express their wish that the posters will be prominently displayed, and that they will have the desired effect.

Such effort is required all year round by everyone who has the capacity of influencing someone to drink. According to empirical studies conducted locally, Malta has a high rate of alcohol consumption among those in the lower age-group.

Results from the European School Survey Project on Alcohol and other Drugs (ESPAD), conducted in January 1999, denoted that 91 per cent of all 16-year-old students reported that they drank alcohol during the previous 12 months. Furthermore, Malta ranked the highest among the 29 participating European countries in the consumption of spirits.

Apart from the health risks associated with alcohol consumption at a young age, there is also the issue of binge drinking, with many young people reporting to having several drinks in one evening. All six participating organisations in this campaign appeal for more responsibility by sales outlets and encourages more efforts between different entities to make a louder impact on informing the general public about the perils of abuse. Sedqa offers its alcohol services both within the community and in residential settings. People requiring help for alcohol problems can be referred, refer themselves to these services or access more information by calling Helpline 151 or the Alcohol Community Team on 2142-1814/5, or by visiting the Agency’s website www.sedqa.org.mt