WHEN was the last time you came in close proximity to a plastered friend, vomiting all over the pot plants or over someone's parents' new cream carpets?

I know I have. It may even have been you emptying your stomach, and I'm sure you'd agree, it's not a pretty sight for anyone. Nor is it pleasant to wake up the next morning to find the remains all over your shoes.

In 2003-2004, binge drinking caused 4,647 under-18s to be admitted to hospital in Britain the equivalent of 13 a day. Surprisingly, the main offenders are girls, with 22 per cent of 14 to 17 year olds admitting to binge drinking, compared to 19 per cent of boys. Why has Britain sunk to the depths of producing such horrifying statistics?

According to the Government's alcohol harm reduction strategy, alcohol abuse costs £20billion a year. Despite this, the problems aren't getting solved.

I believe the Government should follow the examples of most other European countries, where the legal age to drink wine and beer is 16. Last year I visited some friends in Germany and it was clearly noticeable how German teenagers' attitudes towards alcohol differ from those of British teenagers.

Drinking beer is such an important part of German culture and, because alcohol is easily accessible, it isn't a novelty. Therefore, German teenagers don't tend to drink excessively, because drinking at a young age isn't rebellious.

Germans also tend to drink more with their families, so they can be led by example about how to drink wisely. Consequently, the number of drink-related problems and hospitalised teenagers is less.

If this law was enforced in Britain, then teenagers wouldn't have an immediate booze frenzy at the first sight of crates of drink at parties.

I'm no role model when it comes to alcohol consumption. But I do believe that something should be done to prevent this fun-inducing liquid' from causing severe problems in adulthood.