Concerns over underage drinking in East Belfast.

The issue was brought to prominence once again at a local band parade on the previous Saturday night.

The Inner East Forum represents thousands of people in East Belfast and is chaired by Rev Dr Gary Mason. After the disturbances that occurred during the Parade last Saturday night the Forum responded:

Children as young as 11 and 12 were drunk on the streets of east Belfast on Saturday night last.

Gary Mason said “Questions need to be asked – how did these young people obtain the alcohol? And where were their parents when they were consuming it? We have heard several reports of parents who allowed their children to consume alcohol openly and in public and when challenged about it by other members of the community were told to mind their own business.”

All sectors of the Inner East Forum, including community groups, clergy, the police, statutory bodies and ex combatants of the conflict have expressed their serious concern, not only about the heavy use of alcohol by those who are underage, but also about the acts of antisocial behaviour to which it leads.

The Inner East Forum is working with a number of parents and teenagers in the area to provide support, help and direction in issues such as parenting skills, drug awareness and building community cohesion.

The Forum would encourage everyone in east Belfast to enjoy the parades but to act responsibly and within the law and to put the welfare of their community first and foremost.