A senior police officer in Britian has called for the legal drinking age to be raised to 21 to tackle what he says is the "scourge of anti-social behaviour" that has blighted many areas.
Cheshire Chief Constable Peter Fahy said society must address the causes behind a rise in under-age drinking, alcohol-fuelled violence and vandalism.
He blamed parents for failing to keep their children under control and said the drinks industry was guilty of selling alcohol too cheaply.
A hard core of young men are being sucked into crime because they have dropped out of education, training or work, he added.
"Every night of the week Cheshire officers...are engaged in a constant battle against anti-social behaviour and alcohol-induced violence," he said in a statement. "Alcohol is too cheap and too readily available and is too strong.
"Most of the bad behaviour is fuelled by alcohol - much of it supplied by adults - including some parents.
"I know that a hard core of parents turn a blind eye to the fact that their youngsters are out there, drinking under age and congregating in places where they cause nuisance."
In an interview this week, the chief police officer said the minimum drinking age should be raised to 21 from 18.