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He said: "Without an accurate assessment of the extent the problem and a thorough understanding of the reasons behind, it is difficult for us to develop effective mechanisms to cultivate a correct attitude towards drinking and alcohol abuse."
The working group found it unjustifiable at this stage to recommend a total ban on sale of alcohol to minors before a comprehensive data collecting exercise was conducted.
Nevertheless, the working group proposed that the sale of alcohol in sports grounds, schools and places frequented by young people be prohibited.
"This will send a positive message to young people that underage drinking is not socially welcomed nor is it an acceptable behaviour," he said
Furthermore, Mr Li noted that the mass media also had a significant influence on young people.
He said the working group found merits in updating the Codes of Practice on Advertising Standards and examining whether such standards should be tightened.
As to movie and television scenes that often depict drinking as mature behaviour or a means to relieve depression, Mr Li said TV stations and movie producers should be reminded that such depiction would have a direct impact on young people's attitude towards drinking.
The Commission on Youth first examined the problem of underage drinking upon the release of the Report on the Lan Kwai Fong Disaster in February 1993.
A working group was subsequently set up in December the same year to examine the medical, social and psychological aspects of underage drinking.
End/Tuesday, December 20, 1994
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