A NEW initiative tackling underage drinking and its associated risks has been launched in Cowdenbeath and Lochgelly.

The Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) aims to educate children and young people about the dangers of booze and equip them to make informed decisions on issues like alcohol, drugs, anti-social and criminal behaviour.

It will also collaborate with youth services and local organisations to provide alcohol-free activities for young people.

Community Policing Sergeant John Nicol said: "Young people can face difficult challenges in their lives and we need to ensure they have the confidence to help them make the right decisions, especially since alcohol abuse can severely impact on the ability to make positive choices.

“Youths drinking can also impact on the whole community and we have listened to local concerns and I am pleased to see the community and partners coming together in this new CAP initiative to tackle these issues.

“Everyone will be working together to help young people make better choices around alcohol and reduce the harm it causes.

"This proactive approach to educating young people, providing alcohol-free activities and deterring underage sales, demonstrates how local organisations are working together to offer support."

By working closely with local retailers, the CAP hopes to curb underage and ‘proxy’ sales, where adults purchase alcohol for those under 18.

It will be overseen by officers stationed at the Cowdenbeath Police Office.

Partners in this initiative include Fife Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue, Beath and Lochgelly high schools, PSYV and Fife Golf Trust.

Kate Winstanley, director at the CAP, said: "I am always pleased to see the launch of new partnerships.

"We know from research that underage drinking can lead to many social and educational problems for children and young people.

"We also know from our evaluations that CAPs are having a significant impact on reducing alcohol consumption amongst 13 and 16-year-olds in in the areas in which they operate."

Councillor Rosemary Liewald added: "As a preventative project in halting alcohol addiction, let’s get everyone on board."