NOS
NOS Nieuws•vandaag, 19:35
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Crystalina Agyeman-Prempeh
editor NOS Stories
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Sumeyye Ersoy
editor NOS Stories
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Crystalina Agyeman-Prempeh
editor NOS Stories
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Sumeyye Ersoy
editor NOS Stories
Municipalities must keep a closer eye on the so-called drinking chain in their region. This is what the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy STAP says, which is concerned. “Young people, including minors, often drink what they want in those places without any form of supervision,” says director Wim van Dalen.
More than 1,400 young people who sometimes go to a shack shared their experiences after a call from NOS Stories. Nearly 600 of them are minors. They indicate, among other things, that the drinks are much cheaper in those places and that they can get them more easily.
At the same time, chains are the place to come together for young people, especially from rural areas. “It is a nice place for us to meet up, have a nice chat and have a dance,” says shack visitor Annemijn. Van Dalen understands that. “Building friendships is crucial for young people. But this must be done in a safe way.”
NOS Stories spoke to several shack owners and young people about why such a place is important to them:
A drinking shack or drinks den is a space where young people come together for fun. In many cases, alcohol and music are involved. A shack is usually located on its own property. For example in an attic, in a shed or in a caravan. It is not known how many of these there are in the Netherlands.
Responsibility for the supervision of the chain has been with municipalities since 2014. If a shack is accessible to everyone, it must have a catering permit and well-trained staff. In addition, the shack must be located in a place where this is permitted and a number of safety requirements apply. Obviously, alcohol may not be served to minors.
The accessible way for minors to obtain alcohol in a shack is worrying, according to Van Dalen. “One of the major problems we face in the Netherlands is the frequent drinking of young people in a short period of time. A shack is the place where this is easy. You don’t stop after two glasses.”
The risks of drinking for young people are therefore great, says Patrick van Iperen of the Trimbos Institute. “The harmful consequences for minors are greater because it can disrupt the development of their brains. It also leads to violence and other inappropriate behavior.”
Condone
He does not necessarily mean that all chains have to close. “Municipalities need to be closer to keeping things on track as much as possible. Out Previous research it appears that many municipalities have an outdated prevention and enforcement plan, which they should update. This allows them to tackle the problems in a more targeted manner.”
According to Van Dalen, enforcers also need to be better trained and informed about what is and is not allowed in a shack. “They must be able to make contact with young people and their parents, start a conversation and create awareness.”
Erwin, 21, who has his own shack, says that they always try to look out for each other. “We sometimes turn a blind eye to it, but we ensure that it does not become too much and that everyone gets home safely.”
Culture
There are also municipalities that are involved in chain in their region and consider it important that they are there, such as the Drenthe municipality of De Wolden. “It is part of our culture, young people in these types of rural areas grow up with a shack,” says councilor Mark Turksma. That is recognizable for Erwin. “If you have nothing to do you can still go to the shack. We built this place with some friends, that means a lot to us.”
The municipality says it is aware of the risks and has good contact with the emergency services. “The fire brigade then visits to check safety and we ensure that the places are easily accessible for them.”
They also work together with youth workers. “They point out to young people what is and is not possible, but also organize other activities with them, such as football tournaments. Because it is not all about alcohol. It would help if more municipalities opt for a targeted approach, in such a way that the chain remains exist and be safe for everyone.”
2024-02-21 18:35:55
#Concerns #drinking #chain #Municipalities #insight
