Why is the survey important?

Government departments, local authorities, charities, and industry groups all use data from the survey to develop policies, identify local trends, create prevention strategies, and understand how to limit underage access to cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs.

The data is also used by a wide range of other organisations. For example:

• Local authorities compare national survey data with local data to identify local patterns and problems.
• Charities use information about why and how young people purchase cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs to develop prevention strategies.
• Retail bodies use information about how young people purchase alcohol and cigarettes to understand how to restrict underage access.

Previous national level results can be found here.