Traders hit over under-age drinking

12 April 2012

Police in England and Wales have launched a four-week blitz on shops that sell booze to under-age drinkers.

Plain-clothes officers will visit poorly-managed premises with a history of alcohol-related violence, crime and disorder.

They will be looking out for workers who not only sell alcohol to those aged under 18, but to drunk people and those buying on behalf of children.

Senior officers hope the drive will reduce drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour and violence in the weeks before Christmas.

The £250,000 responsible alcohol sales campaign is funded by the Home Office.

Premises that break the law face penalties from a heavy fine to the loss of their alcohol licence.

This summer underage test purchasers visited more than 3,000 off-licences, pubs and clubs in a bid to flush out those that persistently sell booze to children.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said the campaign will help stamp out underage sales and force irresponsible retailers to raise their game.

He said: "With nearly half of all violent incidents involving alcohol, the majority of people who drink responsibly will welcome any police action designed to make our streets safer.

"We are not spoiling people's fun. We are getting tough with those few irresponsible retailers that continue to flout the law. This intelligence-led campaign is firmly focused on the minority of poorly managed premises known to be associated with alcohol-related violence, crime and disorder."

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