Only in a very small number (5,5%) of the 200 trial purchases did the sellers seem to react to the sale of alcohol to seemingly underage buyers
The ease of access of minors to alcohol was demonstrated by a trial market research, recently conducted in the provinces of Limassol and Nicosia by the Cyprus Anti-Drug Association (ASK), in the framework of the "Responsibly Have -17- I Ask for Identity" Program. The research involved nine first-year students of the University of Cyprus from Limassol and Nicosia, and three postgraduate students as supervisors. As part of the research, 200 visits were made to various establishments - supermarkets, cafes, nightclubs, bars, mini markets and places for consumption / sale of beverages.
According to the data presented yesterday, during a press conference for the Third Alcohol Awareness Week, only one restaurant in Nicosia had a reaction (cafeteria), where the secret visitor was asked to show his identity, while in Limassol the reactions were ten. (seven with verbal confirmation of age, two with proof of identity and one with verbal confirmation of age at repeat visit).
The conclusions
Based on the above results, according to Michalis Michailidis, of the Department of Psychology of the University of Cyprus, the following conclusions emerge:
1. Test visits are a tried and tested way of studying the compliance of alcohol sellers with minors.
2. Consistency with minor reports of easy access to and consumption of alcohol
3. Only in a very small number (5,5%) of the 200 trial purchases did sellers seem to react to the sale of alcohol to buyers who appeared to be minors
4. The indicated reaction (display of identity) was recorded in only three cases (1,5%). In these cases the buyers were two men and a woman
A change of mentality is required
However, during yesterday's press conference, it was stressed by all speakers that a change in mentality and human behavior is needed in the fight to deal with the consequences of alcohol use. As pointed out, the goals of the Awareness Week from 12 to 18 October are to promote and strictly implement the laws related to the sale of alcoholic beverages, and to promote and disclose good practices regarding measures to reduce the accessibility and availability of alcohol. persons below the permitted age limit and the risks associated with harmful alcohol consumption.
In his greeting, the President of ASK Chrysanthos Georgiou stated that the harmful use of alcohol in Europe is widely documented, noting that high alcohol consumption has a negative impact on public health and consequently on the European economy. According to Mr. Georgiou, European citizens aged 15 and over consume 27 grams of alcohol (almost three drinks) per day, which is twice the world average and more alcohol per capita, compared to any region in the world, while the 8% to 10% of diseases and accidents recorded at European level are related to alcohol.
In addition, in Western Europe, a significant proportion of cancers (10% in men and 3% in women) are due to alcohol consumption. In his greeting, Mr. Georgiou referred to the need to establish a general framework, which will include basic knowledge and skills of responsible sales and marketing, which can contribute to the establishment of healthier and safer places of entertainment, so that it is always adapted to the specific needs arise on the basis of the characteristics of individuals and the environment.
One in four road deaths is due to alcohol
For his part, the Police Director of the Traffic Department of the Headquarters, Giannakis Charalambous, stressed that the Police campaign will focus both on driving under the influence of alcohol and on tackling the illegal sale, distribution, distribution, consumption or consumption of alcohol. He said that since last May, with a new Legislation passed by the Parliament, a new permissible alcohol limit has been set for six categories of drivers with a limit of 9 million grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of exhalation or 20 millimeters of grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of alcohol. blood. In addition, he said that a bill for the conduct of Narco-test is pending, which concerns tests for detection of drugs in the body of drivers and expressed the hope that it will be passed soon. He also noted that the prevention and reduction of road accidents, especially serious and fatal ones, will occur through awareness and change of human behavior, and with proper education, enlightenment, education and information.
Mr Charalambous said 25% of road deaths in Europe were due to alcohol-related driving. There is also a 7% increase in female drivers driving under the influence of alcohol. At the same time, there is an increase in driving under the influence of drugs. As the Cyprus Police, he continued, for the year 2015 we plan to conduct a total of six campaigns to deal with driving under the influence of alcohol, so that more inspections can be carried out compared to 2014.
Alcohol-driven driving control campaign
It is also noted that in the context of the efforts of the Police for the prevention and reduction of traffic accidents and for the consolidation of road consciousness, members of the Traffic Headquarters, as well as the Provincial Traffic Branches, between the dates 12-18 October 2015, will conduct Alcohol-driven driving control campaign. The campaign is also taking place in view of the organization of the 3rd Alcohol Awareness Week. During the campaign, controls will be carried out simultaneously to deal with the illegal sale, distribution, administration, receipt and / or consumption of alcoholic beverages by minors. According to statistics, driving under the influence of alcohol is the leading cause of serious and fatal road accidents in the last five years.
95 complaints in 9,5 hours
It took place between the hours of 8 a.m.-5.30 p.m. on Sunday, a coordinated operation by members of the Limassol Traffic Police, to prevent serious and deadly road accidents, control the speed and consolidate the sense of security of the citizens, in various parts of Limassol, with emphasis on the coastal front, the air and the Amata area. . Hundreds of motor vehicle searches were carried out during the campaign and members of the Police made 95 complaints about the following traffic offenses:
* 69 for excessive speed
* 3 for mobile phone use while driving
* 2 without seat belt
* 2 without protective helmet and
* 19 for various other traffic offenses
The pan-Cypriot traffic campaigns will continue both on the main road network and on the secondary road network.