Shops have been warned of flood of underage boozers when GCSE results are announced tomorrow
As some 700,000 learn if they've made the grade research shows over half of them plan to celebrate with alcohol
BRITAIN’S high streets are braced for a flood of underage drinkers trying to buy alcohol tomorrow - as they celebrate their GCSE results.
Some 700,000 will find out their grades on Thursday and retailers are being warned to be extra vigilant after research showed that over 315,000 15 and 16-year-olds intend to celebrate with booze.
The survey of 1,000 also found that 15 per cent will ask their parents to buy drinks for them, a third are planning to buy the booze themselves while one in ten will use a fake ID.
And while some teenagers might see having a tipple or two to celebrate their grades as a one-off occasion, the research revealed that underage drinking is an issue all year round.
Results showed more than a quarter (26 per cent) drink at least once a month and 13 per cent drink at least once a week.
The teenagers questioned admitted to getting themselves into precarious situations when under the influence of alcohol.
A fifth have argued with family of friends, 15 per cent have found themselves injured, admitted to hospital or blacked out, and one in 10 confessed to having sex.
A further five per cent have engaged in physical violence and four per cent admitted to taking drugs, while one in 20 women admitted to self-harming after drinking.
Tony Allen, managing director of Under Age Sales who commissioned the survey, said: "It's an exciting time for teenagers receiving their exam results, and many will see this as the perfect opportunity to celebrate their hard work and let their hair down with a drink.
"While some parents may allow this to happen in the safety of their own home where their children can be supervised, it's important to remember that there are laws in place to protect youngsters and their local communities from harm and anti-social behaviour.
"As potentially thousands of teens will aim to purchase alcohol, it's more important than ever for retailers to adhere to the law and be extra vigilant when it comes to implementing age verification policies.
"Retailers need to make sure their staff are fully trained so they understand the law and how to comply with it, as well as initiatives like Challenge 25.
"Retailers should also be aware that often young people will encourage older family members or friends – or even strangers on the street – to buy alcohol on their behalf.
"If a retailer suspects this of taking place, they should remember they are well within their rights to refuse to sell the alcohol."
Retailers who want advice and guidance on the law around age restricted products and training should visit www.underagesales.co.uk
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