Burnley shop staff caught selling booze to children (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Burnley shop staff caught selling booze to children

1:30pm Wednesday 13th June 2012 in Burnley By Peter Magill , Chief reporter

THREE Burnley shops have been caught selling alcohol to children in a crackdown by police.

Members of staff in the shops were issued with £80 fines after serving underage customers.

Neighbourhood police visited 11 off-licences in the town as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

PC Fran Fleming said: “We have been carrying out these operations for a number of years now and members of the public should be aware of the successes we’ve seen.

“The amount of alcohol seized from young people in the last few years has reduced considerably although we are aware there is still a problem.

"These operations along with regular anti-social behaviour patrols have helped to significantly reduce the issue in the Burnley area.”

The team’s previous operation saw other retailers fined and PC Fleming said businesses should enforce strict age checks.

She added: “We will continue to target those off licences who flout the law by selling alcohol to underage children and I urge shop owners to be vigilant.”

Anyone with information or concerns about anti social behaviour in their community can contact police on 101.