The Sense Group (TSG), which is supported by companies which produce and sell alcoholic beverages in Malta, has said it is totally in favour of the proposed law that would make it illegal for those aged under 16 to procure, possess, or consume alcohol.

“Since it has been set up in October 1997, TSG has never missed an opportunity to educate and remind youths over 16 to refrain from binge drinking and to drink responsibly if they choose to drink. In line with this stance, TSG has taken various initiatives to promote the principle of moderate consumption of alcohol among adults,” the group said.

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

“Our belief stems from the fact that TSG’s educational campaigns are proving to be effective, year after year on issues, such as drinking and driving. Based on common sense, these campaigns are sensitising the Maltese society and bringing about a change in the collective attitude.

At the same time, they serve to stem the minority of those who abuse in the use of alcohol,” Mr Farrugia said.

He added that TSG’s uncompromising and hard-hitting campaigns in favour of common sense and against alcohol misuse were not sporadic, neither in content nor in frequency. They were aimed to cover three categories, he said: upholding the law, promoting best practice and informing individual choice by promoting moderate and responsible drinking.

“All our campaigns have conveyed practical recommendations with the main aim of achieving increased levels of awareness and compliance with existing laws for the benefit of all. Therefore, TSG hopes that the inter-ministerial national campaign will continue to build on and promote these objectives,” he said.