Alcohol
It is illegal for shops, pubs or clubs to sell alcohol to those under 18. A few cities have laws banning the use of alcohol on the streets and some trains carrying football supporters also ban alcohol. There is also a law making it illegal to drive a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Anybody who is drunk on the streets and making trouble can be arrested. The police can now take alcohol away from anybody under 18 found drinking in a public place, like the street or in a park.
Cigarettes
It is illegal for a shopkeeper to sell them to young people they know to be under 16 years old.
Solvents
This means glue, lighter fuel, aerosols, and the other things that young people sometimes sniff. It is illegal for a shopkeeper to sell them to young people they know to be under 18 years old. Some young people get totally out of it on solvents and then the police might arrest them as if they were drunk.
Illegal drugs
like cannabis, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD and magic mushrooms are controlled under a law called the
Misuse of Drugs Act. There are three main offences:
- Possession - that means having small amounts on you.
- Possession with the intent to supply - this means having larger amounts on you which you plan to give or sell to other people.
- Supply - this means actually selling illegal drugs, but somebody could be charged with supply, even if drugs are given away and not sold.
