Call for ban on pre-mixed alcoholic drinks.

The majority of young people cannot tell the difference between milk-based alcoholic drinks and non-alcoholic milkshakes, according to a study recently conducted by the National Drug and Alcohol Centre (NDARC) and the University of New South Wales. The study, funded by the Federal Government, tested milk- and soft drink-based ready-to-drink alcoholic beverages (RTDs) on 350 young people aged 12-30 years. Over 40% of 12-15-year-olds reported first trying alcohol as a pre-mixed RTD, while the number of 15-17-year-olds who drank RTDs rose from 14% in 2000 to 29% in 2002. A majority of 12-13-year-olds (56%) and 14-15-year-olds (73%) believed that the alcohol industry marketed a particular pre-mixed rum drink to their age groups. NDARC Professor Jan Copeland said that RTDs 'have had unparalleled growth in the 10 years since they were introduced and are now considered the initiation drink for many underage drinkers" particularly young women, because they mask the taste of alcohol. Copeland is calling for a ban on milk-based RTDs containing vodka as a result of the world-first study (3/4/06: The Australian, p.5; Daily Telegraph, p.11; Adelaide Advertiser, p.24; West Australian, p.7; Sydney Morning Herald, p.1.4/4/06: The Mercury, p.33; Herald Sun, p.23).