Young people in the Harrogate district are being warned that their underage drinking could impact on their health and future career or travel plans.

That is the message that has come across loud and clear from a pilot project aimed at raising the awareness of the effect of underage drinking but being delivered to the parents not the children.

The Harrogate District Safer Communities Partnership has developed this unique ‘consequences event’ in partnership with the Police and the Magistrates’ Court. Following a successful launch this summer it is planned that these events will be held on a regular basis.

The number of young people coming before the Magistrates charged with offences linked to underage drinking is rising and it was felt that more support should be given to parents. The consequences event invites parents to meet Magistrates and is the first step being taken after their children have ‘come to the attention of the police’ whilst in possession of alcohol although not necessarily committing any offence.

We will continue to make these events informal but the main thrust is to get an important message across - that their children’s future and health is at risk.

Geoff Crocker - North Yorkshire Police

Sgt Geoff Crocker of North Yorkshire Police explains: “Parents, of course, are not facing a criminal hearing when they attend court. Instead, as well as meeting Magistrates, representatives from a number of the partnership agencies are on hand to discuss the damage that having a criminal record can do to their children. Some countries won’t allow in visitors with criminal records and some career paths won’t be open to them such as working with children or the health profession. Parents also hear from other representatives from the Safer Communities Partnership who are there to offer help and advice about health issues and alternative activities for their children.

“We will continue to make these events informal but the main thrust is to get an important message across - that their children’s future and health is at risk.”

The next consequences event will be held later this month and Magistrate Bernadette Reid says they are pleased with what they learned from the pilot project. She said: “To our knowledge this is the first of its kind in the country and I want to thank those parents who attended. We hope these events will continue to be mutually beneficial.