Call for Action on Young Drinkers Wednesday 1st February 2006 A leading expert on alcohol abuse has called for tough restrictions on drink advertising after a report revealed shocking figures for Scots youngsters. More Scottish girls regularly drink strong alcohol than young females in any other country, according to a study by the World Health Organization. Almost 40% of 15-year-olds admitted to drinking spirits each week, compared with 1% in Russia and 7% in America. The report's author, Dr Holger Schmid, called for politicians to take action. Dr Schmid, vice-director of the Lausanne-based Swiss Institute for the Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Problems, told the Sunday Times: "These figures are very serious and send a clear message that action is needed to address this problem." "Scotland is ahead in the statistics and I hope the politicians have seen this as a good reason for action. "Politicians should present a consistent alcohol policy." The study, based on WHO surveys conducted in 35 countries between 2000 and 2001, said Scots girls get drunk for the first time at a younger age. On average, Scots have their first drink at 12 and get drunk for the first time at 13. 20% of 13-year-olds in Scotland had been drunk more than once and 6% of 11-year-old boys. Among 13 and 11-year-olds, only English girls drank more. Dr Schmid said: "It is not consistent to restrict access to alcohol on the one hand while allowing alcohol advertising linked to sports and pictures that glamorise drinking in magazines. "I would advocate a ban [on alcohol advertising] in sport to make drinking less glamorous. There is a large amount of research which shows that alcohol advertising is effective and millions of pounds are being spent on this promotion every year." Story from BBC NEWS