YWCA calls for more innovative solution to drinking problems.

"The Chief Medical Officer's suggestion to reduce over consumption of alcohol by increasing the price of alcohol is a start but only a small part of the solution." saye Sarah Payne, Chief Executive of YWCA. " There is some evidence that increasing the price of alcohol helps reduce drinking but why penalise moderate drinkers whilst at the same time not tackling the root cause? We understand that the Government needs to do more to reduce the problems associated with binge drinking. However, from our day to day work we believe that the root of binge drinking by young women is linked to them having low self esteem, confidence and self worth. To tackle this work needs to be carried out to build up young women's confidence, to help them develope skills, gain work which in turn will develope their sense of worth."

Sarah goes on to say "High quality education will also help by showing young people that alcohol can be addictive and heavy consumption of alcohol can often lead young women into unsafe situations such as unsafe sex and walking alone alone late at night."

She continues "Our research shows that young people get involved with alcohol for a number of reasons. Apart from low self esteem another is boredom, We therefore also call for more safe, interesting and secure places to go and things to do, especially in the evenings and at weekends."