The National Commission for the Family said it is pleased with the amendments presented in parliament by Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina regarding the sale of alcohol to teenagers under the age of 16.

The commission said the consumption of alcohol among those under the age of 16 in Malta has reached worrying levels and can have various repercussions, such as alcohol addiction and family problems.

Alcohol-related crimes have cost European countries e33 billion, while damage caused by those driving under the influence of alcohol has cost the same countries e10 billion, the commission said.

Maltese research shows that there is a real and serious problem in the country, said the commission, adding that it believes that the legal age for alcohol consumption should be raised to 18.

To this end, it is of the opinion that the draft on banning alcohol to people under 16 is the first concrete step in curbing alcohol abuse, the commission said.

The commission is hoping that the proposed amendments will be approved unanimously, and that they will also be enforced through an extensive and rigorous use of the breathalyser test.

Efforts to increase the prevention of alcohol abuse should be increased through an educational programme for families, the commission concluded.