I agree, Octavius. Setting an example is so important.
I also agree with sleepy1.
One of the dangers of alcohol is that it can be seen as a �rite of passage�.
By the time a child is in their mid teens, the parents should have created an environment where alcohol is not exciting. If your children�s friends say �let�s go and buy some alcohol�, it would be good to think that your children would say �err, why?�
Create an environment where alcohol is not mysterious, dangerous, sexy, exciting, etc. It�s just � well, a bit ordinary.
As jj says, children can drink at home from the age of 5. Parents have many years to educate their children about alcohol. If they don�t do it, then don�t blame anyone else.