Minors found guilty of consuming alcohol in a public place might be ordered by the court to perform uncompensated community service work, according to the proposed law on underage drinking.

At present, it is illegal for minors to buy alcohol. However, they can consume alcohol or ask someone to buy it on their behalf.

Under the new law, it will be illegal for anyone to sell or purchase alcohol on behalf of minors, or supply or serve alcohol to minors in a public place, street or shop.

Giving alcohol to minors would be a crime, and a contravention if they consume it, with a possible Lm25 fine.

The community service could also be combined with counselling from a qualified agency, possibly Agenzija Sedqa.

However, a Ministry spokesperson said the assigned community service will not interfere with the educational commitments of the minors, and the court will take into consideration the age of the minor and the physical ability.

Last week, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina launched an inter-ministerial permanent focus group on underage drinking.

One of the focus group’s first tasks will be to implement a national information campaign on the harmful effects of underage drinking.

Minister Cristina pointed out that the educational campaign, which should start in a few weeks’ time, would be multi-faceted and target different sections, including young people.

A recent press release by The Sense Group welcomed the initiative and pointed out that it was always in favour of legislation against underage drinking.

“As responsible companies, we firmly believe that the national information campaign, which will be promoted by an inter-ministerial permanent focus group led by Minister Cristina, is a step in the right direction to create awareness that underage drinking should be curbed,” said TSG chief executive Joe Farrugia said.

The law will be debated in Parliament after the summer recess.

The Focus Group was the result of a Cabinet decision and representatives from the Ministry of Family and Social Solidarity, the Youth, Education and Employment Ministry, the Justice and Home Affairs Ministry, the Health Ministry and Office of Parliamentary Secretary for Small Businesses and Self-Employed that form part of the focus group.

The National Commission on the Abuse of Drugs, Alcohol and other Dependencies and a representative from Agenzija Sedqa are also on the group.

The campaign will complement other campaigns run by the Health Promotion Department and Agenzija Sedqa.