Kids & alcohol: are drink producers & parents on equal terms?

Curbing underage drinking is becoming a top priority for Russia. Police say family influence has more power than just punishing those who sell alcohol to minors. Is it really so? RT collects expert opinions.

“The ‘force’, or impact, that alcohol producers and parents have are not equal,” believes Alla Glinchikova from the Institute of Globalization and Social Movements.

“The former have much more opportunities to influence via mass media, using ads to lobby their anti-social interests. So, some legislative measures should be taken to restrict the freedom of producing and selling alcohol drinks in Russia,” she said.

Bertrand Bainvel, UNICEF representative in Russia, echoes her sentiments, noting that tougher legislation is necessary for better control over access to alcohol by minors. He also added:

“And of course, we can’t say to teenagers ‘Don’t, don’t, don’t do that” – we have to think of giving them opportunities to actually DO something: get involved into some positive activities – whether it is sports or cultural events – get involved into the life of societies and communities.”