Heres an example of how the system of migrant workers are being exploited and whilst recognising it is in no way comparable to the way staff at the Metropole are treated or rewarded it emphasises the potential to exploit when there is an endless supply of cheap and accessible labour.
It is typical of the way the 'borgoise' can maximise their profits whilst at the same time furthering social ills.
Atthe metropole the migratory staff are mostly contracted through agencies and are made to work long unsociable hours for wages that work out at barely the minimum wage when you consider the length of shifts and the times of the day that the shifts cover.
it also alienates the large number of local unemployed who quite rightly decide not to put up with such measures in 2008.
Gangsters make migrants work on building site for 22p an hour
EXCLUSIVE: Scandal of immigrant builders who work for peanuts with no sick pay or holidays
(What's this?)Ruthless gangmasters are putting migrants to work on building sites for as little as 22p an hour.
The scandalous pay abuse saw one man get £8.80 for a 39-hour week and another £66 for 70 hours.
Mean bosses are illegally deducting large sums from wages for rent and utility bills - leaving many workers destitute. One had £228 taken in a week for tools.
Despite grafting round the clock, most do not get overtime, sick pay or holidays.
Scandalously, the worst example of the modern-day slavery was found on a £600million Government redevelopment site.
But with 800,000 immigrants having arrived from Eastern Europe in four years, it is feared the abuse could be far more widespread.
Alan Ritchie, boss of construction union UCATT, said: "This case is the worst we have seen, these workers were virtually destitute.
"We have been building up a big file on abuses of ganged workers.
"The fact it has occurred on a Private Finance Initiative site using taxpayers money is scandalous."
In the worst case the Mirror uncovered, Lithuanian men were recruited to work on the Government site by small dry wall lining firm called Produm Ltd.
Payslips show on top of money deducted for accommodation, each man had £76.80 taken weekly as their payment to the "construction industry scheme".
This basically registers them as self-employed - meaning their employer does not have to pay National Insurance But it is in breach of the law because none of the workers are believed to have given consent.
The pay abuse only came to light after some workers' wages stopped altogether with Produm owing up to five weeks' pay.
Last night most of the workers were too frightened to talk.
But one colleague, who refused to be named, said: "At the beginning of this month there were seven workers living in a cramped three bedroom flat in Mansfield. They cycle to work every day and are very hard grafters.
"They are being paid around £6 an hour but were hit heavily by illegal deductions which left them with next to nothing to take home.
"One week Produm took rent or tool money, then they'd take for utility bills, it was unbelievable.
"They struggled to find money for food some weeks. £8.80 won't even get you a few pints."
The migrants had been working at the Kings Mill hospital site in Mansfield, Notts, which is a closelymonitored development. According to industry guidelines, workers there should earn a basic £7.31 an hour.
Experts said wages of the man paid £8.80 for 39 hours makes a mockery of the National Minimum Wage, which is £5.52 an hour.
Monday, 30 June 2008
Friday, 27 June 2008
its been a while! and lots has happened.
so due to other commitments its been some time since ive posted.Ive also missed laurences messages,i guess hes caught up in business.
Drinks ban!
ok as foreseen the ban looks likely to take place and after the delay caused by powys county council it is likely to become official in august.
So we all knew it would happen.....but...... due to the intervention of humane locals such as david peters those who were drinking in the gardens have dissappeard from sight.....perhaps baird murray or venter has had them disposed of.
actually davidpeters has helped solve their social problems which was always the way forward but not good enough for the hang em and flog em brigade.
May elections
hope it wasnt connected to the negative publicity over the ban but long time county councilor keith tampin got kicked out on his arse....couldnt of happened to a moredeserving person.....although he was beaten by a tory!
so congrats to mike hodges,although david peters also got voted out due in part to harold nichols smear campaign,someone who has benefitedfrom dss tennants in the past but now refuses to house them and in doing so contributes to llandods social problems of which he often voices his displeasure.
what goes around comes around.
Post office closures
of the two sub post offices targeted to close the tremont stores branch has been saved.proprieter and newly elected tory councillor mike hodges is obviously delighted as we all are its just a shame that the tory machine seem to be using it to further their own needs.
typical!!!
Drinks ban!
ok as foreseen the ban looks likely to take place and after the delay caused by powys county council it is likely to become official in august.
So we all knew it would happen.....but...... due to the intervention of humane locals such as david peters those who were drinking in the gardens have dissappeard from sight.....perhaps baird murray or venter has had them disposed of.
actually davidpeters has helped solve their social problems which was always the way forward but not good enough for the hang em and flog em brigade.
May elections
hope it wasnt connected to the negative publicity over the ban but long time county councilor keith tampin got kicked out on his arse....couldnt of happened to a moredeserving person.....although he was beaten by a tory!
so congrats to mike hodges,although david peters also got voted out due in part to harold nichols smear campaign,someone who has benefitedfrom dss tennants in the past but now refuses to house them and in doing so contributes to llandods social problems of which he often voices his displeasure.
what goes around comes around.
Post office closures
of the two sub post offices targeted to close the tremont stores branch has been saved.proprieter and newly elected tory councillor mike hodges is obviously delighted as we all are its just a shame that the tory machine seem to be using it to further their own needs.
typical!!!
Friday, 28 March 2008
victoriana or something more modern
below is a copy of the fast becoming famous article that apperaed in the Guardian! the saturday that wales rugby won the grand slam.
It claims that llandrindod is the party town of the WHOLE of BRITAIN!
with more drinking spots per head then any other town.
The question then if this article is to be believed is does the council support this claim and the fact there are going to be drunken revellers marauding the streets as thats what happens in the big cities and towns.
what about the towns genteel victorian image.
its going to be a tough one for Cllr Tampin and the boys as alcohol and all that it brings with it is economiclly viable, or will they be setting up exclusion drinking zones or is that just for local alcoholics who have seemed to have dissapeared from temple gardens of late.
Paul Rees
Saturday March 15, 2008
The Guardian
Why Wales is on a high, and it's not just the Rugby
Singing sensation
Duffy, currently No1 in the singles charts with Mercy and at the top of the album rankings with Rockferry, is from Gwynedd.
Sienna Miller's moving in
Yesterday's Mirror quoted the actor as saying that she "loves Wales". "I think it is the most beautiful country in the world," she "told pals".
The place to party
Llandrindod Wells (pop: 5,024) was recently named the best place to go out in all of Britain, having more pubs, wine bars, restaurants and takeaways per capita than any other town.
Unmissable sights
It's not just the castles: the National Slate Museum in Llanberis is home to the largest working waterwheel in mainland Britain.
Boxing and sheepdog trials
Last year Gavin Rees became Wales' 10th boxing world champion. Other recent sporting achievements include Aled Owen winning the 2007 International Sheepdog Trials with his faithful partner Roy.
It claims that llandrindod is the party town of the WHOLE of BRITAIN!
with more drinking spots per head then any other town.
The question then if this article is to be believed is does the council support this claim and the fact there are going to be drunken revellers marauding the streets as thats what happens in the big cities and towns.
what about the towns genteel victorian image.
its going to be a tough one for Cllr Tampin and the boys as alcohol and all that it brings with it is economiclly viable, or will they be setting up exclusion drinking zones or is that just for local alcoholics who have seemed to have dissapeared from temple gardens of late.
Paul Rees
Saturday March 15, 2008
The Guardian
Why Wales is on a high, and it's not just the Rugby
Singing sensation
Duffy, currently No1 in the singles charts with Mercy and at the top of the album rankings with Rockferry, is from Gwynedd.
Sienna Miller's moving in
Yesterday's Mirror quoted the actor as saying that she "loves Wales". "I think it is the most beautiful country in the world," she "told pals".
The place to party
Llandrindod Wells (pop: 5,024) was recently named the best place to go out in all of Britain, having more pubs, wine bars, restaurants and takeaways per capita than any other town.
Unmissable sights
It's not just the castles: the National Slate Museum in Llanberis is home to the largest working waterwheel in mainland Britain.
Boxing and sheepdog trials
Last year Gavin Rees became Wales' 10th boxing world champion. Other recent sporting achievements include Aled Owen winning the 2007 International Sheepdog Trials with his faithful partner Roy.
Monday, 17 March 2008
it's all kicking off!
there has been quite a few feathers flying around the old town lately.
Mike Parkers tv show 'great welsh roads 4' visited llandod and mr parker proceded to pour scorn on the idea of a town basing its future on its victorian past.mr parker doesnt think much of the idea of a town basing its future on its victorian past,and made mocking commentsto the effect that why doesnt the town go the whole way bysending kids up chimneys and adding cholera to the water suply.Mildly amusing but taken out of context by a precious few.
these sentiments have been opposed by the town council of course but supported by some of the locals.
the county times journo andrew Morris added flames to the fire with a muck raking sensationalist piece of tatty journalism as well.
By Andrew Morris
SHOCKING claims that could damage the image of Powys' county town have been made by an ITV television presenter.
Last night's episode of Great Welsh Roads, saw presenter Mike Parker, 41, travel through Llandrindod Wells and onto other towns in Powys.
It was while visiting the town during last year's Victorian Festival in August that he said on camera: "Why don't they go the whole hog and introduce cholera in the town's water supply or send the kids up the chimneys?"
ITV's programme synopsis added insult to injury, claiming: "Llandrindod Wells' Victorian past seems to be the only key on offer to the town's future."
The comments have been blasted by irate county councillor Gary Price, who said that if Mr Parker re-visited the town, he would see an area undergoing great regeneration in preparation for a promising future.
He said: "These comments are shocking. They could damage the image of the county town of
Powys. I really don't think that Mr Parker has seen enough of the town to offer a full and fair judgement.
"If he came to speak to me or anyone else from the town it would be clear to him that we are an area that is not relying on the past for the future.
"We are soon to be welcoming a new out-of-town development for the emergency services, while last year £2.5million was spent on updating older buildings.
"The Victorian Festival is a time of celebration of our past, yes, and it attracts tourists from far and wide, but we are a town on the up."
Councillor Derek Law, Mayor of Llandrindod Wells, supported Cllr Price's views, he said: "I would depricate any suggestion that we have nothing to offer, we have plenty to offer.
"Yes as far as the Victorian past is concerned it is very acceptable and very popular and it brings alot of people in. But we also happen to have alot of wonderful parks. How many towns are there in Britain where the green truly comes into the town?"
We also have the lake which people come from far and wide to see, from Wales and beyond. As well as our beautiful neighbouring countryside", he added.
Cllr Price also stressed that he was worried Mr Parker's comments about cholera could give some people ideas.
"What kind of comments are these? To say this could be dangerous. Imagine if someone listened to him and upset the watercourse. And as for saying that about our youth, I'm speechless.
"I grew up in Llandrindod Wells and know that while every town has a few bad eggs, the youth here are good people.
heres some of the letters that have appeared from old and young alike!
"grumpy youth",Llandrindod 29/02/2008 20:50:54
I personally agree with Mike Parkers comments , along with my family, friends and colleagues. This town offers nothing at all for people who aren't over the age of 70.
Apart from one measly attempt at a night club there is nothing here for us young people. When one of our local buisness men offered us a bowling alley and many other things in one building the people of the town turned it down because they were afraid of the noise, there are only elderly people in the council so no young people's views are being heard. If it was not for my job I would of left town along time ago along with most of my friends. There is nothing to keep us here, along with settens possibly closing down it brings little hope of anyone staying in town.
We have in place a conservation order, this means we are not allowed double glazing along with sky dishes on the front's of our house's. Although this seems quite a nice idea I feel the only reason this is in place is beacuse the councilors want us to keep up the victorian image. There is no hope of us ever moving into the 21st century, the sooner we do that and drop the 'retirement village' image the better for the town. We do not want to wreck the town or cause havoc but to have somewhere to shop, somewhere to go out, something to do on the weekends, a job!!
The only thing this place has to offer is it's scenery and the dreaded victorian week...
that wa a leeter from a young person and heres one from a senior citizen!
Victorian slurs are close to the truth
« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »
View GalleryVICTORIAN slurs: i note your story in the County Times of February 29.
Mike Parker's comments are a little over the top, but he is not far from the truth.
I was born here 65 years ago. Yes this town tries to live in the past. Yes the Victorian Festival brings in a lot of people just for a few days a year, but for the benefit of a few, mostly hotels who employ foreign staff, like they did in the 50s and 60s. Then they had staff from Italy.
This a town run by councillors who live in the past, as always nothing for the young, that's, why they wander the streets.
It was never any different in the 50s and 60s. It's run by councillors who as always have their snouts in the trough at Powys county hall.
As for it being a town on the up and up, it seems to me it's become a town for dropouts from all over the country. It's a town of day people and night people.
As for the regeneration, very nice if you own the property. But as always, nothing for the young, very little work here outside of powys council.
Will it change? I don't think so.
lon cwm
Llandrindod wells
Mike Parkers tv show 'great welsh roads 4' visited llandod and mr parker proceded to pour scorn on the idea of a town basing its future on its victorian past.mr parker doesnt think much of the idea of a town basing its future on its victorian past,and made mocking commentsto the effect that why doesnt the town go the whole way bysending kids up chimneys and adding cholera to the water suply.Mildly amusing but taken out of context by a precious few.
these sentiments have been opposed by the town council of course but supported by some of the locals.
the county times journo andrew Morris added flames to the fire with a muck raking sensationalist piece of tatty journalism as well.
By Andrew Morris
SHOCKING claims that could damage the image of Powys' county town have been made by an ITV television presenter.
Last night's episode of Great Welsh Roads, saw presenter Mike Parker, 41, travel through Llandrindod Wells and onto other towns in Powys.
It was while visiting the town during last year's Victorian Festival in August that he said on camera: "Why don't they go the whole hog and introduce cholera in the town's water supply or send the kids up the chimneys?"
ITV's programme synopsis added insult to injury, claiming: "Llandrindod Wells' Victorian past seems to be the only key on offer to the town's future."
The comments have been blasted by irate county councillor Gary Price, who said that if Mr Parker re-visited the town, he would see an area undergoing great regeneration in preparation for a promising future.
He said: "These comments are shocking. They could damage the image of the county town of
Powys. I really don't think that Mr Parker has seen enough of the town to offer a full and fair judgement.
"If he came to speak to me or anyone else from the town it would be clear to him that we are an area that is not relying on the past for the future.
"We are soon to be welcoming a new out-of-town development for the emergency services, while last year £2.5million was spent on updating older buildings.
"The Victorian Festival is a time of celebration of our past, yes, and it attracts tourists from far and wide, but we are a town on the up."
Councillor Derek Law, Mayor of Llandrindod Wells, supported Cllr Price's views, he said: "I would depricate any suggestion that we have nothing to offer, we have plenty to offer.
"Yes as far as the Victorian past is concerned it is very acceptable and very popular and it brings alot of people in. But we also happen to have alot of wonderful parks. How many towns are there in Britain where the green truly comes into the town?"
We also have the lake which people come from far and wide to see, from Wales and beyond. As well as our beautiful neighbouring countryside", he added.
Cllr Price also stressed that he was worried Mr Parker's comments about cholera could give some people ideas.
"What kind of comments are these? To say this could be dangerous. Imagine if someone listened to him and upset the watercourse. And as for saying that about our youth, I'm speechless.
"I grew up in Llandrindod Wells and know that while every town has a few bad eggs, the youth here are good people.
heres some of the letters that have appeared from old and young alike!
"grumpy youth",Llandrindod 29/02/2008 20:50:54
I personally agree with Mike Parkers comments , along with my family, friends and colleagues. This town offers nothing at all for people who aren't over the age of 70.
Apart from one measly attempt at a night club there is nothing here for us young people. When one of our local buisness men offered us a bowling alley and many other things in one building the people of the town turned it down because they were afraid of the noise, there are only elderly people in the council so no young people's views are being heard. If it was not for my job I would of left town along time ago along with most of my friends. There is nothing to keep us here, along with settens possibly closing down it brings little hope of anyone staying in town.
We have in place a conservation order, this means we are not allowed double glazing along with sky dishes on the front's of our house's. Although this seems quite a nice idea I feel the only reason this is in place is beacuse the councilors want us to keep up the victorian image. There is no hope of us ever moving into the 21st century, the sooner we do that and drop the 'retirement village' image the better for the town. We do not want to wreck the town or cause havoc but to have somewhere to shop, somewhere to go out, something to do on the weekends, a job!!
The only thing this place has to offer is it's scenery and the dreaded victorian week...
that wa a leeter from a young person and heres one from a senior citizen!
Victorian slurs are close to the truth
« Previous « PreviousNext » Next »
View GalleryVICTORIAN slurs: i note your story in the County Times of February 29.
Mike Parker's comments are a little over the top, but he is not far from the truth.
I was born here 65 years ago. Yes this town tries to live in the past. Yes the Victorian Festival brings in a lot of people just for a few days a year, but for the benefit of a few, mostly hotels who employ foreign staff, like they did in the 50s and 60s. Then they had staff from Italy.
This a town run by councillors who live in the past, as always nothing for the young, that's, why they wander the streets.
It was never any different in the 50s and 60s. It's run by councillors who as always have their snouts in the trough at Powys county hall.
As for it being a town on the up and up, it seems to me it's become a town for dropouts from all over the country. It's a town of day people and night people.
As for the regeneration, very nice if you own the property. But as always, nothing for the young, very little work here outside of powys council.
Will it change? I don't think so.
lon cwm
Llandrindod wells
Thursday, 21 February 2008
metropole staffing policy?
heres the response from respected mirror columnist Paul Routledge to liz hurleys husband who paid a domestic he brought from india and paid her the equivilant of £1.20 an hour and she had to work over a period of seven days a week without a day off.
We have for a long time claimed that the metropole exploit the mass european migratory worker market at the expense of the local unemployed.
of course there may be other issues as to why the metropole dont employ locals!
perhaps the way they treat their staff and baird-murray will probably state that he is only maximising the oppertunity that european federalism has presented to him.
and yet Llandrindod has the highest unemployment in powys!and associated social problems such as anti social behaviour and drink related troubles.
WAGE SLAVERY FIGHT
Paul Routlegde On Why Britain Needs Fair Pay
Violet D'Souza is not alone in her plight. She is just the tip of an iceberg of exploitation in Britain today.
Despite the introduction of the National Minimum Wage, Scrooge employers still seek to get round the law and pay starvation wages to migrant labour.
And in many cases they get away with it, through fear, ignorance and bullying. The scandal only comes to light when brave people take action. Many unhappy migrants are brought into the UK by unlicensed agencies that scour the world for cheap workers, who are sometimes kept in conditions of virtual slavery. It is anybody's guess how many there are. Tony Woodley, general secretary of Unite, says: "This situation is about exploitation, not migration. Greedy bosses will take advantage of vulnerable workers if they are allowed to do so."
What we do know is that in Britain today, 1.4 million men and women don't have full employment rights because they work for agencies.
On Friday, MPs will vote on a Labour member's Bill demanding the Government signs up to a European directive giving all workers the same rights whether they are part or full time.
This proposed law would not end the scandal of immigrant workers being exploited. But it will make it harder for the corrupt traders in workpeople to make profits. That's why every Labour MP should be on parade to vote against the 21st century version of slavery.
We have for a long time claimed that the metropole exploit the mass european migratory worker market at the expense of the local unemployed.
of course there may be other issues as to why the metropole dont employ locals!
perhaps the way they treat their staff and baird-murray will probably state that he is only maximising the oppertunity that european federalism has presented to him.
and yet Llandrindod has the highest unemployment in powys!and associated social problems such as anti social behaviour and drink related troubles.
WAGE SLAVERY FIGHT
Paul Routlegde On Why Britain Needs Fair Pay
Violet D'Souza is not alone in her plight. She is just the tip of an iceberg of exploitation in Britain today.
Despite the introduction of the National Minimum Wage, Scrooge employers still seek to get round the law and pay starvation wages to migrant labour.
And in many cases they get away with it, through fear, ignorance and bullying. The scandal only comes to light when brave people take action. Many unhappy migrants are brought into the UK by unlicensed agencies that scour the world for cheap workers, who are sometimes kept in conditions of virtual slavery. It is anybody's guess how many there are. Tony Woodley, general secretary of Unite, says: "This situation is about exploitation, not migration. Greedy bosses will take advantage of vulnerable workers if they are allowed to do so."
What we do know is that in Britain today, 1.4 million men and women don't have full employment rights because they work for agencies.
On Friday, MPs will vote on a Labour member's Bill demanding the Government signs up to a European directive giving all workers the same rights whether they are part or full time.
This proposed law would not end the scandal of immigrant workers being exploited. But it will make it harder for the corrupt traders in workpeople to make profits. That's why every Labour MP should be on parade to vote against the 21st century version of slavery.
Friday, 15 February 2008
perhaps the real reason for the drinking ban.
this is the article in the county times regarding the town counils new home.
Strangely enough it is on site of the proposed drinking ban....!
cant have three alcoholics despite them being locals interupting the important business of ensuring tourist pennies stay in a few select pockets after all there is only 400 unemployed in the llandrindod travel to work area!
the only blessing is they didnt burden the community tax payers with a mortgage.
And yet Harold Nichols was prepared to buy the place for the town himself.
pity we didnt have some councillors like builth have got.
Council eyes development of rooms at its new premises
"We're very happy to be here," Cllr Derek Law, Llandrindod Mayor
LLANDRINDOD Wells Town Council are eyeing a development opportunity in their new premises and have said they are "very happy to be here".
The council has moved into its new home in the old town hall, where it will hold its monthly meetings.
The Mayor, Derek Law is now hoping to develop one room into an office for council purposes.
The two rooms in the old town hall, previously occupied by the Tourist Information Centre, will also be made available to local charitable organisations.
The council agreed to enter into a lease agreement with the new owner to take over two rooms and a storeroom located at the side of the building.
Cllr Law said: "We have in mind an office and one room will also be made available to other local organisations, especially charities."
He admitted the town council had harboured the idea of buying the building themselves after Powys County Council put it up for sale.
"We considered it and weighed it up against all other options but we would have had to take out rather a large mortgage."
Cllr Law hailed the benefit of having an office at the town council's disposal.
"We're very happy to be here," he said.
"Despite this we remain disappointed that the old Radnorshire chamber in the Gwalia is being changed."
At the January meeting of the town council members were told the new premises were in need of a bit of decoration
Strangely enough it is on site of the proposed drinking ban....!
cant have three alcoholics despite them being locals interupting the important business of ensuring tourist pennies stay in a few select pockets after all there is only 400 unemployed in the llandrindod travel to work area!
the only blessing is they didnt burden the community tax payers with a mortgage.
And yet Harold Nichols was prepared to buy the place for the town himself.
pity we didnt have some councillors like builth have got.
Council eyes development of rooms at its new premises
"We're very happy to be here," Cllr Derek Law, Llandrindod Mayor
LLANDRINDOD Wells Town Council are eyeing a development opportunity in their new premises and have said they are "very happy to be here".
The council has moved into its new home in the old town hall, where it will hold its monthly meetings.
The Mayor, Derek Law is now hoping to develop one room into an office for council purposes.
The two rooms in the old town hall, previously occupied by the Tourist Information Centre, will also be made available to local charitable organisations.
The council agreed to enter into a lease agreement with the new owner to take over two rooms and a storeroom located at the side of the building.
Cllr Law said: "We have in mind an office and one room will also be made available to other local organisations, especially charities."
He admitted the town council had harboured the idea of buying the building themselves after Powys County Council put it up for sale.
"We considered it and weighed it up against all other options but we would have had to take out rather a large mortgage."
Cllr Law hailed the benefit of having an office at the town council's disposal.
"We're very happy to be here," he said.
"Despite this we remain disappointed that the old Radnorshire chamber in the Gwalia is being changed."
At the January meeting of the town council members were told the new premises were in need of a bit of decoration
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
So what do you now think of 'society prepares the crime'
Heres the item from the mirror[12-02-2008].they seem to have caught on to the fact that the supply of alcohol could be the problem.So would llandods town council endorse this if a link between shopkeepers selling booze and anti social behaviour could be proven.
Would they be prepared to support a ban on shops or guilty parties being 'brought to justice' £20,000 is an awful lot of money.
Would Mr Baird -Murray at the metropole have to ensure that his staff are more vigilant to whom they serve drinks to,justin will tell you that wet sales are his most profitable.
Of course when enjoyed responsibly then alcohol is not a problem.
Daily Mirror campaign: Stop kids drinking
Can it!
12/02/2008
Teenage drinking (Pic:Getty Images)
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More Top Stories
What are you talking about? Get published
News picturesIt was a terrifying picture of modern Britain.
Yesterday a Mirror investigation revealed kids as young as 14 bragging how they regularly binge-drink, leading to violence, unprotected sex and trips to casualty. Our revelations came on the day the teenage killers of Warrington dad Garry Newlove were sentenced to life in prison for kicking him to death on a drunken rampage.
Here those concerned about under-aged drinking address the problem while the Mirror launches Can It, a campaign to stop under-18s being sold or served alcohol - and to help prevent more tragedies like the senseless murder of Garry Newlove. Our demands are:
1 Shopkeepers and landlords who sell alcohol to under-18s to face a maximum fine of £20,000 (double the current £10k) and to AUTOMATICALLY lose their licence to sell drinks for six months (double the current three months)
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2 Police under obligation to confiscate booze and caution under-18s found drinking in the street or licensed premises
3 Courts to properly enforce the current law imposing a £5,000 fine on adults who knowingly agree to buy alcohol in shops, off licences or pubs on behalf of under-18s
DAVID POLEY
Chief Executive of the Portman Group, which represents drinks firms
Anyone who looks under 21 should have to prove their age, and rogue retailers must face tougher punishments. Enforcement of the law is far more desirable than putting up prices which would affect everyone.
Drinks producers must continue to advertise responsibly and only to adults.
Education can change the culture just as it did with drinkdriving.
SRABANI SEN
Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern
Alcohol education should be a compulsory part of the curriculum and teachers should be properly trained to deliver it. Parents also need to understand how their own drinking and attitudes to alcohol influence their children.
But none of these measures will work fully until we tackle the fact that it is still too easy and cheap for young people to get hold of alcohol. Our research has also shown that children are overexposed to alcohol ads.
JAMES LOWMAN
Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores
Retailers have to prevent under-18s from buying alcohol. They must always check for ID.
If you're caught selling alcohol to anyone under age you face a fine, a 48-hour closure or even losing your licence.
But young people who try to buy alcohol are breaking the law too. They are getting more fearless and retailers can feel intimidated. It is crucial that police work together with shop owners to solve this problem.
ROSS SCARBOROUGH
17-year-old former binge drinker from Nottingham
If I hadn't turned my life round, I'd be an alcoholic by now.
After leaving school I stopped doing things like playing sport. All that mattered was hanging out with my mates and drinking.
It's so cheap I have got off my face on a £2 bottle of cider. But raising prices wouldn't make any difference, it would only be 10p here or there.
The way to keep young people off drink is to provide them with facilities, especially sport, to take their mind off getting drunk.
DR PATRICIA SPUNGIN
Parenting expert and founder of raisingkids.co.uk
There's an unhealthy attitude to alcohol here: people drink to get drunk, which in turn is passed on to our teenagers.
Parents should set a good example by drinking in moderation themselves, and keep an eye out for the warning signs.
Alcopop makers must also take much of the responsibility - generally nobody took a first sip of beer or wine and liked it, it's an acquired taste. Alcopops made alcohol palatable to kids.
ANNETTE FLEMING
Director of Aquarius, a counselling service for young people with alcohol problems
A lot more has to be done to prevent the sale of alcohol to under-18s. There needs to be a lot more support for staff who work in off-licences to enable them to refuse sales, and to ask for proof of ID.
The marking of bottles so they can be traced back to the seller should also be more widespread. Then sellers will be able to see the consequences of what they are doing.
JOHN GROGAN
Labour MP for Selby, Chair of the all-party Parliamentary beer group
Supermarkets in particular should make a promise not to sell alcohol below cost price. Over Christmas you could get 60 bottles of lager for £20. It's cheaper than water, so it's not surprising it appeals to teenagers.
Somehow we have to get the message across to young people that it's not a clever or smart thing to lose control of what you're doing.
DR CLARE GERADA
Vice-chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners
Lead by example. There's no point telling your teenager not to binge-drink if you're having a bottle of wine every night.
Alcohol should also be less available and alcopops should be banned. Any alcohol which is directly marketed at children is unacceptable.
I see lots of 16-and 17-year-olds who are drinking very, very heavily. If parents think that their teenager is drinking too much then they should contact their GP.
JAN BERRY
Chair of the Police Federation
It is up to all of us to deal with the problem of teenage drinking. There is no simple solution.
Police used to hope for rain on a Friday or Saturday to keep people indoors, but now there's drinking every night of the week. Now kids are drinking to excess before they even leave their house
Parents need to set a good example as if they're drunk the kids will think they can be too.
Christine Sharples whose husband Ron was killed by a gang of teenagers
There should be more police on the streets. In Marske-by-the-Sea near Middlesbrough, you never see police. My husband would still be alive if there were police on our streets. The yobs who killed Ron thought they could get away with anything.
It's outrageous these children can buy alcohol. The age should be raised to 25 and there should be tougher penalties for people who sell alcohol to kids. That way the streets would be safer.
Would they be prepared to support a ban on shops or guilty parties being 'brought to justice' £20,000 is an awful lot of money.
Would Mr Baird -Murray at the metropole have to ensure that his staff are more vigilant to whom they serve drinks to,justin will tell you that wet sales are his most profitable.
Of course when enjoyed responsibly then alcohol is not a problem.
Daily Mirror campaign: Stop kids drinking
Can it!
12/02/2008
Teenage drinking (Pic:Getty Images)
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News picturesIt was a terrifying picture of modern Britain.
Yesterday a Mirror investigation revealed kids as young as 14 bragging how they regularly binge-drink, leading to violence, unprotected sex and trips to casualty. Our revelations came on the day the teenage killers of Warrington dad Garry Newlove were sentenced to life in prison for kicking him to death on a drunken rampage.
Here those concerned about under-aged drinking address the problem while the Mirror launches Can It, a campaign to stop under-18s being sold or served alcohol - and to help prevent more tragedies like the senseless murder of Garry Newlove. Our demands are:
1 Shopkeepers and landlords who sell alcohol to under-18s to face a maximum fine of £20,000 (double the current £10k) and to AUTOMATICALLY lose their licence to sell drinks for six months (double the current three months)
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2 Police under obligation to confiscate booze and caution under-18s found drinking in the street or licensed premises
3 Courts to properly enforce the current law imposing a £5,000 fine on adults who knowingly agree to buy alcohol in shops, off licences or pubs on behalf of under-18s
DAVID POLEY
Chief Executive of the Portman Group, which represents drinks firms
Anyone who looks under 21 should have to prove their age, and rogue retailers must face tougher punishments. Enforcement of the law is far more desirable than putting up prices which would affect everyone.
Drinks producers must continue to advertise responsibly and only to adults.
Education can change the culture just as it did with drinkdriving.
SRABANI SEN
Chief Executive of Alcohol Concern
Alcohol education should be a compulsory part of the curriculum and teachers should be properly trained to deliver it. Parents also need to understand how their own drinking and attitudes to alcohol influence their children.
But none of these measures will work fully until we tackle the fact that it is still too easy and cheap for young people to get hold of alcohol. Our research has also shown that children are overexposed to alcohol ads.
JAMES LOWMAN
Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores
Retailers have to prevent under-18s from buying alcohol. They must always check for ID.
If you're caught selling alcohol to anyone under age you face a fine, a 48-hour closure or even losing your licence.
But young people who try to buy alcohol are breaking the law too. They are getting more fearless and retailers can feel intimidated. It is crucial that police work together with shop owners to solve this problem.
ROSS SCARBOROUGH
17-year-old former binge drinker from Nottingham
If I hadn't turned my life round, I'd be an alcoholic by now.
After leaving school I stopped doing things like playing sport. All that mattered was hanging out with my mates and drinking.
It's so cheap I have got off my face on a £2 bottle of cider. But raising prices wouldn't make any difference, it would only be 10p here or there.
The way to keep young people off drink is to provide them with facilities, especially sport, to take their mind off getting drunk.
DR PATRICIA SPUNGIN
Parenting expert and founder of raisingkids.co.uk
There's an unhealthy attitude to alcohol here: people drink to get drunk, which in turn is passed on to our teenagers.
Parents should set a good example by drinking in moderation themselves, and keep an eye out for the warning signs.
Alcopop makers must also take much of the responsibility - generally nobody took a first sip of beer or wine and liked it, it's an acquired taste. Alcopops made alcohol palatable to kids.
ANNETTE FLEMING
Director of Aquarius, a counselling service for young people with alcohol problems
A lot more has to be done to prevent the sale of alcohol to under-18s. There needs to be a lot more support for staff who work in off-licences to enable them to refuse sales, and to ask for proof of ID.
The marking of bottles so they can be traced back to the seller should also be more widespread. Then sellers will be able to see the consequences of what they are doing.
JOHN GROGAN
Labour MP for Selby, Chair of the all-party Parliamentary beer group
Supermarkets in particular should make a promise not to sell alcohol below cost price. Over Christmas you could get 60 bottles of lager for £20. It's cheaper than water, so it's not surprising it appeals to teenagers.
Somehow we have to get the message across to young people that it's not a clever or smart thing to lose control of what you're doing.
DR CLARE GERADA
Vice-chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners
Lead by example. There's no point telling your teenager not to binge-drink if you're having a bottle of wine every night.
Alcohol should also be less available and alcopops should be banned. Any alcohol which is directly marketed at children is unacceptable.
I see lots of 16-and 17-year-olds who are drinking very, very heavily. If parents think that their teenager is drinking too much then they should contact their GP.
JAN BERRY
Chair of the Police Federation
It is up to all of us to deal with the problem of teenage drinking. There is no simple solution.
Police used to hope for rain on a Friday or Saturday to keep people indoors, but now there's drinking every night of the week. Now kids are drinking to excess before they even leave their house
Parents need to set a good example as if they're drunk the kids will think they can be too.
Christine Sharples whose husband Ron was killed by a gang of teenagers
There should be more police on the streets. In Marske-by-the-Sea near Middlesbrough, you never see police. My husband would still be alive if there were police on our streets. The yobs who killed Ron thought they could get away with anything.
It's outrageous these children can buy alcohol. The age should be raised to 25 and there should be tougher penalties for people who sell alcohol to kids. That way the streets would be safer.
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