Kampen minors still buying alcohol despite legal ban, study reveals
Minors in Kampen can easily purchase alcohol, despite a nationwide ban. A recent study shows alarming compliance rates among local vendors, raising concerns about youth health and safety. The municipality is taking action to address this issue.
| Category | Compliance Rate |
|---|---|
| Community centres | 0% (0/3) |
| Snack bars | 40% (2/5) |
| Hospitality venues | 43.3% (13/30) |
| Sports canteens | 17.6% (3/17) |
| Location | Kampen |
| Research Period | Autumn 2023 |
| Meeting Date | May 26, 2024 |
The municipality of Kampen is responsible for enforcing local regulations, including the legal ban on alcohol sales to minors. It collaborates with businesses and organizations to ensure compliance and promote a safe environment for young people.
Read the full translated article below
Minors in Kampen can still easily buy alcohol
Minors in the municipality of Kampen can currently buy alcohol too easily. This is evident from recent research conducted by the municipality in the autumn of 2023. Although this problem is nationwide, the municipality considers it important to take local action. Together with the hospitality sector, sports clubs, community centres and snack bars, the municipality aims to create a safer and healthier environment for young people.
Councillor Bernard van den Belt
“We want young people in Kampen to grow up with opportunities and to enjoy a pleasant and responsible nightlife environment.”
Sales to minors often not refused
The research examined how well vendors comply with the legal ban on selling alcohol to people under the age of 18. To do this, so-called mystery shoppers visited various points of sale. The results show that this often goes wrong:
- Community centres: 0 out of 3 purchase attempts complied (0%)
- Snack bars: 2 out of 5 complied (40%)
- Hospitality venues: 13 out of 30 complied (43.3%)
- Sports canteens: 3 out of 17 complied (17.6%)
These figures are at odds with the government's objectives. Alcohol use poses risks for young people, both in the short and long term. Since 2014, selling alcohol to minors has therefore been prohibited.
Mayor Sander de Rouwe
Entrepreneurs and organisations have an important role and responsibility. The research results show that we need to take steps here. That is why we will discuss together what is needed to achieve good compliance.”
Major hospitality sector meeting on 26 May
The municipality is organising a meeting for the hospitality sector, sports clubs, community centres and snack bars on 26 May 2024. During this morning session, the research results will be shared and opportunities, bottlenecks and solutions will be discussed.