1 May: City administration draws attention to youth protection and appeals to personal responsibility

1 May is traditionally a public holiday on which alcohol flows in some places. The city of Bocholt warns of the consequences of alcohol abuse and announces checks in pubs and kiosks as part of youth protection measures. It also appeals to parents and young people to take personal responsibility.

Especially on days like the first of May, parents are required to fulfil their duty of supervision, comply with the applicable youth protection regulations and not close their eyes to alcohol abuse, according to the Bocholt Youth Welfare Office.

Parents should talk openly with their children about the consumption of alcohol and the dangers of addiction, because children and young people should know how alcohol works and how harmful it can be. They are often unaware that alcohol consumption can cause considerable damage to their health as they are still growing.

Alcohol is taboo for young people under 16

Alcoholic drinks may not be supplied to children and young people under the age of 16, nor may they be allowed to consume them. For other alcoholic drinks such as spirits, the following even applies: only from the age of 18! Even an adult who passes on alcoholic drinks to minors in his clique is liable to prosecution. The situation is similar with smoking. Smoking of any kind is not permitted in public under the age of 18.

As part of the new youth protection campaign "Bocholt rüttelt wach!" ("Bocholt shakes awake!" ), which was co-designed by young people themselves with the help of posters, the staff of the educational youth protection department of the municipal youth, family, school and sports department appeal to the personal responsibility and self-determination of young people.

Checks in kiosks, petrol stations and supermarkets

The city of Bocholt will carry out random checks on kiosks, petrol stations and supermarkets with regard to the sale of alcoholic beverages to young people.

Retailers and catering establishments are urged to pay particular attention to the following points:

• If in doubt, ask to see ID
  
  
• Refuse the sale of alcohol and tobacco under certain circumstances
  
  
• Make it clear that the sale of alcohol and tobacco to young people is not permitted by law
  
  
• Pubs should offer at least one non-alcoholic drink cheaper than the cheapest alcoholic drink - this is stipulated in the Pubs Act
  
  
• The current Youth Protection Act and the regulations applicable to the respective business establishment must be clearly visible to everyone in the restaurant

If you have any questions about the protection of minors, please contact the city on 02871 953-2392. Information is also available at www.bocholt.de/soziales-und-bildung/jugend-und-familie/kinder--und-jugendschutz.