No Limits Survey

The aim of the No Limits survey was not to attempt to stop young people drinking, but to ask young people for their views on what might encourage sensible drinking.  650 questionnaires were sent out to different agencies and schools throughout Torbay with 434 completed and returned (representing approx. 3.3% of young people within Torbay).

What would encourage young people to drink sensibly?

What young people said in the No Limits report...

• "There is nothing in Torquay to do... there are lots of pubs though!" Female 13"I don't think there is anything anyone can do, because everyone tries it. But then it gets boring and people know that they look stupid and it isn't a good thing to do." Male 16
• "When society changes its opinion and perception of alcohol young people might as well." Female 17

Key findings

• 85% of 15 to 16 year olds reported drinking once a week.
• 198 of the 434 questioned drank mainly at home, with 70 drinking regularly in pubs and 29 in clubs in Torbay.
• 81 young women said that they walked home alone after drinking. 8 said they had been victims of sexual assault. 10 said that they had been victims of sexual harassment.
• Evidence from the report also showed that drinking increases the risk of being involved in anti social behaviour.

Outcomes

Following the publication of this research an action plan was drawn up with the primary aim to promote the concept of safe and responsible drinking across the community of Torbay. The main thrust of the plan was to reduce harm through safe and sensible alcohol consumption rather than prevent or prohibit, which is unrealistic in a culture where drinking alcohol is the norm and associated with fun, sociability and relieving stress.

From this work the Know the Code campaign was developed to target young people, their role models (i.e. young adults 18 - 25 year olds), parents and the licensing trade.

• No Limits Report
  Research to find out about young people’s drinking in Torbay and their views regarding alcohol.
  Last updated: 22/04/2010 (2.4 MB)