Neighbourhood police and Trading Standards officers carrying out checks on underage alcohol sales in the Chipping Sodbury, Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell and Yate areas were delighted that they all refused to sell alcohol to children.
On Friday 6th May 2011 police teamed up with South Gloucestershire Trading Standards officers for the operation, aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related offences.
With the help of two clearly underage teenage volunteers – a girl and a boy – they visited ten off-licences to check whether they were prepared to sell alcohol to under-18s.
None of them were prepared to make the sale.
New Neighbourhood PC Finbar Simmons said: “Alcohol and children does not mix. Drink can make young people vulnerable and it can lead to anti-social and criminal behaviour. Licensees have a responsibility to ensure that alcohol does not fall into the wrong hands, and we frequently test that in operations with our colleagues at the council.”
“I’m delighted that all the off-licences did make the proper checks and refused to sell drink to minors, and they will be sent a letter of appreciation.”
Councillor Heather Goddard, executive member for community services, said: “This check shows that the majority of retailers and their staff are taking their responsibilities properly and checking young people for proof of age before serving them with alcohol. Those that refused to sell alcohol are making their neighbourhood a safer and better place to live.”
Anyone selling alcohol to an under-18 or buying on behalf of a minor could be fined up to £5,000.
Anyone with concerns about under-age alcohol sales can contact the neighbourhood team at Chipping Sodbury police station on 0845 456 7000 or South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards 01454 868009. Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: Avon and Somerset Police
