Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has signalled that her Government intends to clamp down on young drinkers by increasing the legal age for alcohol consumption from 18 to 21 years.

Speaking at the first United National Congress (UNC) Monday Night Report meeting since winning the April 28 general election at the Penal Secondary School last night, Persad-Bissessar addressed the worrying issue of addiction amongst youth as she announced that legislation will be brought to Parliament to raise the age for the consumption of alcohol and marijuana, as well as for gambling.

“We intend to raise the legal age for gambling and marijuana use to the age 25 and older. And the legal age for alcohol will be raised to 21 years and older,” she said.