90-second statement by Janet:
Last week, I was delighted to sponsor an event celebrating the success of Community Alcohol Partnerships. CAP is a community-interest company, and aims to tackle underage drinking by providing education programmes, engaging with local communities, and working with business to ensure that current alcohol legislation is adhered to and strengthened. Launched in 2007, it has since developed 162 schemes across Wales, including five new projects.
We have all seen the negative effects of alcohol misuse in our local areas. The normalisation of underage drinking has a profound impact on the long-term health and well-being of children and young people. That is why I am hugely encouraged by the success CAP has had in helping to reduce the number of underage drinkers. In its annual 2018 report, it notes that its projects have achieved a 60 per cent reduction in weekly drinking amongst years 9 to 11, and a 40 per cent reduction in youth alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. This is a fantastic achievement that will bring a positive impact to the many young people and local communities across Wales. Such a positive impact is a testament to the hard work and dedication of CAP's members, some of whom I was fortunate to meet last week. I am pleased that the Welsh Government has provided funding to some of the Wales-based projects. Given the proven success of CAP across the country, it is my hope that the Welsh Government continues to work closely with CAP to build upon recent legislation, including the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018, to reduce rates of underage drinking within our local communities.