Police warning on exam partying

12:27pm Wednesday 22nd August 2007

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POLICE are making an appeal for GCSE students who get their results tomorrow not to drink alcohol when celebrating or commiserating over their grades.

Police said they wanted to remind GCSE pupils that, despite reaching another milestone in their education, they are still not old enough to buy alcohol or go out drinking unless they are having a meal.

Chief Supt Shaun Morley, the police commander for Oxfordshire, said: "My officers don't want to spoil the fun of celebrating passing your exams, but they will not tolerate drinking by those under 18.

"Underage drinking leads to anti-social behaviour and drunken teenagers are more likely to become victims of crime. You are also putting your health at risk and there are strong links between high levels of alcohol consumption youth offending, teenage pregnancy, truancy, exclusion and illegal drug misuse.

"Deaths from liver cirrhosis have also risen in the 25-34 age group, which is thought to be a consequence of increased drinking starting at an earlier age."