THE Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has defended a report it commissioned into under-age binge drinking.

A spokesman for the York-based group said the study, which was conducted by the Trust for Study of Adolescence, offered "valuable insights" for those determined to tackle teenage drinking.

He denied that the group was advocating or endorsing illegal drinking dens for underage boozers, but admitted it did discuss views that venues for under-age kids could help promote safe drinking.

His comments follow an article in the Evening Press that the report could pave the way for drinking clubs to encourage under-18s to drink alcohol responsibly.

The idea was met with outrage by police officers and alcohol counsellors who branded it "astonishing and unworkable".

The JRF spokesman said: "The authors of the report draw attention to the view of some experts that safer venues for under-age drinking could serve as a setting for promoting sensible drinking messages.

"But they equally highlight the danger that such venues would be not only illegal under existing law, but would also lead to more risky drinking than already exists.

"It also warns that young people who would otherwise not be interested in experimenting might be encouraged to drink alcohol at an earlier age."

Researchers interviewed young people between the ages of 14 and 17 who had been involved in heavy, risky drinking where they posed potential harm to others and themselves.

It found evidence that those who drank heavily without adult supervision were at greater danger of injury, acute intoxication and daring behaviour than those who managed to drink on licensed premises.

Many young people told interviewers that getting drunk is widely seen as normal and acceptable social activity among young drinkers.

Some claimed it raised their status among friends, while others said they got drunk to "escape" normal life and to forget their problems or for the "buzz".

Experts have suggested that better alcohol education, help for young people to resist peer pressure and family pubs where young people can learn to drink sensibly, may help combat alcohol problems.

They found that older teenagers, who have begun drinking illegally in pubs and bars, are less likely to come to harm because they are among adults and do not want to draw attention to themselves.

Report co-author Suzanne Cater said: "There are valuable messages in this study for health and education initiatives to promote safer, more sensible drinking among young people, especially those whose drinking leads to risky behaviour and harmful outcomes."

Updated: 09:37 Saturday, February 05, 2005