UK: Chief Medical Officer warns not to give alcohol to children under 15 years

Children aged under 15 should never be given alcohol, even in small quantities, England's chief medical officer has advised parents. Sir Liam Donaldson said childhood should be an "alcohol-free time", as ministers prepare to publish guidance on the issue for the first time. It is legal for parents to give a child over five alcohol in the home and the guidance is not expeted to become law. The guidance is published after the CMO's team reviewed the medical evidence on the effects of under-age drinking. It comes after a recent survey suggested 20% of 13-year-olds drank alcohol at least once a week. The guidance also says children aged 15-17 should not be given alcohol on more than one day a week - and then only under supervision from carers or parents.

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