Crackdown on underage drinking

A Booze-Blitz by trading standards officers saw two sales assistants from East Grinstead fined after selling alcohol to children.

Both were slapped with an £80 on-the-spot fine after two 15-year-olds successfully purchased booze.

Six retailers were targeted in the undercover operation earlier this month run by West Sussex County Council trading standards officers and Sussex Police.

The council is to organise more swoops as the school holidays approach in an effort to crack down on rogue retailers who sell alcohol to underage customers.

County councillor Lionel Barnard, the cabinet member for public protection, said: "I welcome this initiative by our trading standards team and Sussex Police because there's no doubting the link between binge drinking and antisocial behaviour.

"Selling alcohol to under-18s is irresponsible and a criminal offence.

"Those caught breaking the law must take responsibility for their actions and face the consequences."

David Beardsley,acting head of trading standards,said: "We have an ongoing programme of undercover operations, which we will be stepping up during the school holidays.

"We urge all retailers to 'Think 21' because it can be difficult to tell the age of teenagers from appearance alone.Anyone who appears under 21 should be challenged for ID,rather than just under 18.

"We would also encourage parents and the public to tell the Trading Standards Service when they suspect that sales are being made to underage youngsters in their locality."

ic Surrey Online