Stark warning over alcohol trends

Some under 16s are drinking more than the recommended limit for adults

A stark warning about chronic alcohol-related problems has been issued by Jersey's Medical Officer of Health.

Dr Rosemary Gellar said the island's teenagers who binge drink could end up dying from liver failure when they are in their 30s or 40s.

Research carried out in Jersey showed 16% of children aged between 14 and 15 and 6% of 13-year-olds drink more than the recommended adult weekly limit.

Dr Gellar said children's bodies were less able to cope with excess alcohol.

A binge drinking culture could also set a future lifestyle trend which is dangerous, she added.

Dr Gellar's warning comes on the day the chief medical officer for health in England, Sir Liam Donaldson, has recommended children should not be allowed to drink any alcohol - even at home - until they are at least 15.