NICOSIA, May 21 (Xinhua) -- Cypriot parents are alarmed because their minors are consuming the highest quantity of liquor among the countries in Europe, the Secondary School Parents Association said in a statement on Tuesday.

Their statement came after the death of a 16-year-old who consumed a lot of liquor during a kids' party and the near death of a 13-year-old girl after consuming a large quantity of drinks.

The girl was saved only because her mother was quick in taking her to a hospital, after the friends of the girl told the mother that her daughter had passed out.

The girls had gathered in a park and drank alcoholic drinks they bought from nearby bars and shops.

The parents association said in a statement that several surveys showed that minors in Cyprus drink more than five drinks every time they go out.

Another research by the University of Cyprus on behalf of the anti-drug council, said that out of 200 shops which sell alcohol that were visited by young people, only 11 requested an ID from the buyer as required by law, the Association said.

"Reality is even more tragic, with incidents increasing in frequency but also in danger, while children begin to consume alcohol at a lower age," the Association's statement noted.

The Association called for steep penalties for business owners who sell alcohol to minors. Enditem

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