Play’s booze warning for pupils

Jun 24 2008 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A PLAY which illustrates the dangers and issues surrounding drinking alcohol at home will be shown to pupils at Blairgowrie High School today.

The Perth and Kinross Drug and Alcohol Action Team Partnership (DAAT Partnership) has been working with partners across Tayside to put together activities that will highlight to the public issues associated with drinking at home.

The team is keen to offer different, innovative ways to encourage people to think about how much alcohol they drink at home, so it decided to stage a drama for 5th and 6th year pupils which would illustrate the dangers of excessive alcohol use.

“Acceptance” follows the story of Scarlet, who spends her life trying to fit in and be liked by others.

Pressured by her need to be popular, she has her first taste of alcohol at high school and from this new experience she feels confident, strong, chatty and liked.

Scarlet, at 30 years old, is still partying on and not realising the effect alcohol is having on her health, relationships and her self-respect.

The show has been touring Scotland this year and due to its success it is being performed at the forthcoming Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Chair of the Perth and Kinross DAAT Partnership, David Burke, said: “Many people in Perth and Kinross buy alcohol for home consumption – and few will suffer any consequences of this type of drinking.

“However, we know that due to the low prices at which alcohol can be bought in supermarkets, some people do tend to drink more and sometimes excessively.