This is the view of the chairman of Carrickfergus District Policing Partnership, who has welcomed new powers for the PSNI to confiscate alcohol from young people, but says others have an equally important role to play.

Alcoholic drinks can now be confiscated from people aged under 18 even if they have not been opened and without police having to prove the young person intended to drink in a public place. Officers also have new powers to take under 16s who have been drinking home or to another place of safety.

Cllr Stewart Dickson told the TIMES: “Anything that enhances the ability of the police to tackle underage drinking and drinking in open spaces is to be welcomed. We obviously have a problem - alcohol is confiscated regularly from young people.

“The other side of the coin is that we need to see our schools, churches and drug and alcohol abuse organisations step up their educational role. We have to make a community response to educate our young people on the risks of alcohol and stop irresponsible adults who buy alcohol for young people.”

The legislation also introduces a new offence of persistently possessing alcohol in a public place. Under 18s can now be prosecuted and fined up to £500 if caught in possession of alcohol in public three or more times in 12 months.

Cllr Dickson said the possibility of stiffer sanctions for repeat offenders will be a useful tool for police, but stressed that he would rather see young people dissuaded from drinking or prevented from acquiring alcohol than receive a criminal record.

Security Minister Paul Goggins said the new Policing and Crime Act, which is effective across the UK, shows the government fulfilling its “duty to do all it can to try and eradicate the scourge of under-age drinking.”

It has been welcomed by the Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, who commented: “Alcohol misuse can lead to a lifetime of health and other problems. This is an important step which will help young people understand the dangers of drinking.”

Assistant Chief Constable Will Kerr said the PSNI “welcomes” the new powers and is already working with the Department of Health and parents to reduce underage drinking.

A test purchase exercise to detect retailers who breach age restrictions on the sale of alcohol is to take place in several areas across Northern Ireland, including Carrickfergus.