YWCA'S RESPONSE TO ED BALLS' ALCOHOL CRACKDOWN

Whilst broadly welcoming the importance placed on early intervention measures as part of Ed Balls’ plan to tackle alcohol related antisocial behaviour, YWCA is concerned that a ‘get tough’ approach could produce a rebellious reaction among teenagers, and leave young women dangerously exposed to risk.

We know through our research that the current dispersal orders can lead to vulnerable young women ending up in unlit areas, such as parks, and expose them to risky situations. Until the wider issue of tackling the risible lack of facilities and root causes of young women’s drinking is addressed , there will be an over-reliance on punitive measures that label young people and won’t act as a deterrent.