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There have been a series of consultation events and surveys since 2005 about alcohol-related issues and services across Newcastle.  Examples include consultation with young people in the 'Alcohol and young people conference' in June 2006; consultation conducted by Community Action on Health (CAOH) in August 2006 and the Newcastle Community and Voluntary Services in February 2008.

Some of the views expressed suggest that risk taking is a part of growing up, something that needs to be managed and supervised and not stopped. It was felt that young people should be more involved in local committees that oversee young peoples' issues. The celebrity culture was seen as a strong influence on cultural attitudes and behaviour and that" work needs to take place with young people to combat this celeb culture"

 The CAOH consultation summarizes some of key actions needed to tackle alcohol related harm:

 Education and awareness issues

• More education needed in schools and colleges
• More education needed about the effects of binge drinking
• More education/advice for parents
• People should see alcohol as only one of many options for enjoyment

 Support issues

• People need easier referral to support services
• More counselling, treatment, rehab and support in all areas
• Greater early intervention programmes aimed at young people around alcohol
• More support given to family members suffering from an alcohol/drug dependent family member

 Culture Issues

• Party city vs healthy city - Newcastle needs to decide which is more important
• Reduction in social acceptance of binge drinking
• Healthier lifestyles to be promoted as the cool thing to do - not big to smoke, drink or abuse yourself

 Law enforcement issues

• Age limit to buy alcohol increased
• Enforce law better - stricter penalties to those who sell alcohol to underage
• Stop 24 hour access to buying alcohol
• Get rid of happy hours