Portsmouth South MP Flick Drummond has welcomed the launch of a pilot Community Alcohol Partnership in Milton and Fratton to tackle underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.
The CAP, which already has around 100 similar schemes across the UK, will be rolled out across the city, if successful.
A partnership in neighbouring Hayling Island has seen a 41% reduction in anti-social behaviour since its start in 2012.
‘I am really pleased that we have a partnership being set up in Portsmouth,’ said Flick.
‘The success of similar schemes gives me hope that we can make real progress in tackling underage drinking and anti-social behaviour, which we know is a real problem for many people.’
The CAP will bring together existing resources from the police, retailers, the city council, schools and other local organisations, who will share information in an effort to tackle reported underage drinking.
Flick added: ‘It’s clear to see that a joined up approach is a proven way of dealing with the issue of underage drinking.
‘Schools and parents will play a key role in challenging perceptions and peer pressure that exists, but greater co-operation between schools, police and other local bodies will be important in making it easier to find out where the problems lie and to address them more effectively.
‘There are more serious, long term consequences to underage drinking. Habits developed at a young age can continue into adulthood and the consequences of drinking too much can be devastating.
‘Portsmouth has the third highest number of alcohol related deaths in the UK and so it is important to intervene at the earliest possible opportunity.’