UNDER-AGED DRINKING

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) how many have been caught for under-aged drinking at pubs, discos and at the premises of other licensed liquor sellers for each of the last three years; and (b) what action has been taken by the police to deter such incidents.

Mr Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, prior to 1st October 2002, which is today, the responsibility for liquor licensing came under the Customs and Excise Department, or CED. As it is primarily a law and order issue, this function has been transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs with effect from today. Nevertheless, this question has not been transferred and I will take this question.

35 under-aged persons were caught in 1999, 19 in 2000, and 7 in 2001. In 2002, 20 under-aged persons have been caught so far. Offenders were fined $100 and their parents were informed of the offence.

The licensees who were caught allowing consumption of liquors by under-aged persons in their premises were fined $300 for the first offence and $500 for subsequent offences.

CED had been conducting regular checks on licensed premises. Police, in its checks on public entertainment premises, had also referred offenders of the liquors licensing regulations to CED for follow-up actions.

In addition, the Liquors Licensing Board would require licensees who repeatedly infringe the licensing conditions to appear for a hearing before the Board to see whether their licences should be revoked.

I would like to assure Dr Khor that under-aged drinking is not prevalent. Measures are already in place to ensure that liquors are not sold to under-aged persons. With this function transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs, I trust that the synergy that would be reaped by the Home Team would keep this problem under control even better.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Sir, it was recently reported in the newspaper that there were some private parties held by predominantly junior college students where under-aged drinking might exist. I am not sure whether it is appropriate to ask the Minister if the Police has taken any action on such incidents.

Mr Lee Hsien Loong: Mr Speaker, Sir, if there are such cases reported, we will investigate them, but if they are private parties and not in pubs, discos or licensed liquor sellers, it is in somebody's home, it is really the parents' responsibility.

Dr Amy Khor Lean Suan: Clarification, Sir. When I said "private parties" it was reported to have been held at discos.

Mr Lee Hsien Loong: Let us have the particulars and we will investigate the matter.