Police chief wants alcohol crackdown

By Peter Griffiths

LONDON (Reuters) - A senior policeman has called for the legal drinking age to be raised to 21 to tackle the "scourge of anti-social behaviour" that has blighted many areas.

Cheshire Chief Constable Peter Fahy said society must address the causes behind a rise in under-age drinking, alcohol-fuelled violence and vandalism.

He blamed parents for failing to keep their children under control and said the drinks industry was guilty of selling alcohol too cheaply.

A hardcore of young men are being sucked into crime because they have dropped out of education, training or work, he added.

"Every night of the week Cheshire officers...are engaged in a constant battle against anti-social behaviour and alcohol-induced violence," he said in a statement. "Alcohol is too cheap and too readily available and is too strong.

"Most of the bad behaviour is fuelled by alcohol -- much of it supplied by adults -- including some parents.

"I know that a hardcore of parents turn a blind eye to the fact that their youngsters are out there, drinking under age and congregating in places where they cause nuisance."

In an interview with Channel 4 News on Tuesday he said the minimum drinking age should be raised to 21 from 18.