Proposal to lift drinking age threshold arouses controversy in Malta

The Malta's Children's Commissioner's recent proposal to increase drinking age threshold from 17 to 18 years old raised much mixed reactions, media reports showed Wednesday. The Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations in Malta (FELTOM) and Maltese agency on drug and alcohol abuse - the Sedqa welcome the proposal. Parents and guardians also agreed with the proposal However, the Sense Group (TSG) which promoting a responsible and moderate drinking message, describe it as a "superficial solution" which only transfers the problems of bring drinking from one location to another. Those in the entertainment businesses who depended on these clients said it would eat into their sales. The Government has not yet reacted to the Children's Commissioner' proposal and questions sent to Social Solidarity Minister remained unanswered since the minister is on holiday.