NEW figures on under-age binge drinking have revealed four in ten youngsters start drinking at the age of 13, a figure which concerns West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox. Mr Cox expressed fears about official figures that revealed not only are a growing number of under- age drinkers being admitted to hospital, but also the laws against under-age drinking are not enforced. This news coincides with the report from Crime Concern, which found 'drinking to get drunk is starting younger with serious consequences to health and crime'. Mr Cox said: 'Under-age drinking damages young people and fuels youth crime and anti-social behaviour. 'There are already laws and sanctions in place. Failure to enforce the law sends the wrong message about under-age drinking and is adding to public concern about yob behaviour and crime. 'We also need greater social responsibility, and an end to some parents turning a blind eye to their children's drinking.' Figures released to Parliament revealed fewer than 100 individuals a year are punished for trying to buy alcohol illegally. In Devon and Cornwall there were just three penalty notices issued last year.
