
Think before giving a sip of Punche-de-Crème to a child or any other alcoholic contained beverage as a matter of fact because it could land you up in jail for two years along with a $7,500 fine.
This was the warning given by the T&T Police Service’s public relations officer ASP Michael Jackman. Jackman was speaking on the CNC’s Morning Brew yesterday morning.
Quoting from the Children’s Act 12 of 2012 and the Liquor Licences Act 84: 10 Jackman made it clear that selling alcohol to minors and/or giving alcohol to minors is an offence.
“The first offence there is a fine of $7,500 and second offence $10,000 and one-year imprisonment up to two years,” Jackman said.
“Do not be careless and do not leave alcohol exposed and in the reach of children. Be responsible…even those who sell do not sell to children under the age of 18. It’s in black and white. Alcohol is not for children. No sip!” he added.
He also warned parents and guardians of being extra vigilant while shopping during this Christmas season.
“In the excitement and the heat of the moment as it were, some adults forget to pay attention to their children.
“Be more careful about the younger children because they can be taken away easily from us, in just a few seconds they can go missing so we are advising people to keep an eye on their children,” he added.
To the adults who cannot take their children with them, Jackman gave a stern warning to them as to whose care they leave them in,
“Put certain things in place for supervision and we recommend that persons who are supervising their children are known persons maybe relatives or babysitters who have been well vetted and they have trust in to secure and protect their children.”
In cases where children go missing, Jackman urged that a missing person report is filed to the nearest police station as soon as possible, “that 24-hour period that was there long ago no longer exists.
“Any period that children are unaccounted for it is advisable to lodge a report to the police.”
Reporter: Rhondor Dowlat