A little wine never did anyone any harm, they say. And taken in moderation it teaches young people not only to drink sensibly but to appreciate what they are consuming.

We have embraced it in Britain somewhat belatedly, but certainly there has been a relaxing of attitudes towards young people and drink.

Now, however, a worrying report that reaches us from America debunks this whole notion.

In a report that took three years to compile, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism says that the likelihood of developing alcohol problems in adulthood is 50 per cent higher for those who start drinking before they are 15.

The average age children taste their first drink in this country is a little over 12 years.

It should come as no surprise then that the number of British under-18s being treated for alcohol abuse has soared. A fact that is backed up locally.

Last year Alcohol Concern called for parents who gave drink to under 15s to be prosecuted.

Others are calling for a complete ban on alcohol for anyone under 18.

These may seem draconian measures, but heavy-handed action may be the only way to break the stranglehold alcohol seems to have on our young people.

Not just in terms of their own health, but as a cure to many of our social ills and the horrendous drain alcohol has on the health service budget.