Keep it 18 reason #3

Reason 1- Youth drinking is dropping, not increasing

Reason 2 – Increasing the purchase age will dilute the message not to supply to minors

Reason 3 is a split 18/20 age will push young drinkers into town

The proposed split age of 18 for off-licenses and 20 for on-licenses (while preferred to a 20/20 age) will push 18 and 19 year olds who wish to have a drink to go into town, rather than have a drink at home. Far more violence and crime occurs in town, than at people’s homes. 18 and 19 year old women especially will be at risk of greater sexual assaults, if they are prevented from being able to legally purchase alcohol to drink at home.