RELEASE: alcohol

Alcohol

What is it?

Alcohol (ethanol) is a powerful liquid drug made from fermenting sugars with yeast.

What are the effects?

Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the workings of the brain. The initial effects of small amounts of alcohol produce a feeling of well-being and reduce inhibitions. As more is taken, the effects become more depressant and the after-effects (hangover) become more severe.

Is it addictive?

Yes. It has recently been estimated that at least 1 in 20 people in the UK are alcohol dependent.If I am dependent, what can I do?

If you have been drinking heavily every day for a long period of time, it is essential to seek professional advice and support before embarking on a programme of reduction or abstinence.

What is the legal position?

The sale and consumption of alcohol are regulated by law.

It is illegal to sell alcohol to under 18 year-olds. Sales of alcohol must take place on licensed premises, such as pubs, bars, restaurants, off licences and supermarkets, during licensing hours.

It is illegal to buy alcohol for under 18 year-olds, except when buying beer or cider for 16 or 17 year-olds to drink with a meal in a restaurant. It is illegal to buy alcohol for someone who is already drunk. Young people:

It is not illegal for children between the ages of 5 and 15 years to drink alcohol at home or in public, but they must not do so on licensed premises. Entry into licensed premises may be restricted for 5 to 17 year-olds.
If you are between 14 and 17 years old, you may go into licensed premises (subject to some restrictions) but you must not buy or drink alcohol there.
If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may drink beer or cider with a meal in a restaurant.
It is an offence for 16 or 17 year-olds to be possession of alcohol in the street.
The police may confiscate alcohol from under 18 year olds in any public place other than licensed premises.

Adults:

It is an offence to be drunk and incapable or drunk and disorderly in a public place or on licensed premises.

It is an offence to be drunk in charge of a child under 7 years old.
It is an offence to drive or be in charge of a vehicle when unfit to do so due to alcohol consumption or having at least 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood.
It is an offence to drink alcohol in a ëdesignated public placeí. These are places that are identified by local councils or authorities and have had a history of drink related problems. The police may confiscate alcohol in these areas.

For further information or clarification of the law, please contact our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.


DRUGS THE LAW HUMAN RIGHTS HOME DONATE OUR SERVICES PUBLICATIONS ABOUT RELEASE BUST CARD HELPLINES CONTACT US SHOP NEWS LINKS MEDIA CENTER LEGAL MANUAL VACANCIES CONFERENCES PRIVACY DISCLAIMER	Alcohol What is it? Alcohol (ethanol) is a powerful liquid drug made from fermenting sugars with yeast. What are the effects? Alcohol is a depressant. It slows down the workings of the brain. The initial effects of small amounts of alcohol produce a feeling of well-being and reduce inhibitions. As more is taken, the effects become more depressant and the after-effects (hangover) become more severe. Is it addictive? Yes. It has recently been estimated that at least 1 in 20 people in the UK are alcohol dependent.If I am dependent, what can I do? If you have been drinking heavily every day for a long period of time, it is essential to seek professional advice and support before embarking on a programme of reduction or abstinence. What is the legal position? The sale and consumption of alcohol are regulated by law. It is illegal to sell alcohol to under 18 year-olds. Sales of alcohol must take place on licensed premises, such as pubs, bars, restaurants, off licences and supermarkets, during licensing hours. It is illegal to buy alcohol for under 18 year-olds, except when buying beer or cider for 16 or 17 year-olds to drink with a meal in a restaurant. It is illegal to buy alcohol for someone who is already drunk. Young people: It is not illegal for children between the ages of 5 and 15 years to drink alcohol at home or in public, but they must not do so on licensed premises. Entry into licensed premises may be restricted for 5 to 17 year-olds. If you are between 14 and 17 years old, you may go into licensed premises (subject to some restrictions) but you must not buy or drink alcohol there. If you are 16 or 17 years old, you may drink beer or cider with a meal in a restaurant. It is an offence for 16 or 17 year-olds to be possession of alcohol in the street. The police may confiscate alcohol from under 18 year olds in any public place other than licensed premises. Adults: It is an offence to be drunk and incapable or drunk and disorderly in a public place or on licensed premises. It is an offence to be drunk in charge of a child under 7 years old. It is an offence to drive or be in charge of a vehicle when unfit to do so due to alcohol consumption or having at least 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood. It is an offence to drink alcohol in a ëdesignated public placeí. These are places that are identified by local councils or authorities and have had a history of drink related problems. The police may confiscate alcohol in these areas. For further information or clarification of the law, please contact our legal helpline or consult your solicitor.	DRUG FACTS 2CB 2CI alcohol amphetamines cannabis cocaine crack DMT ecstasy GHB heroin ketamine lsd methadone mushrooms nitrites salvia solvents steroids

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