Booze crackdown at Ribble Valley off-licences (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Booze crackdown at Ribble Valley off-licences

2:30pm Tuesday 10th July 2012 in Ribble Valley news By Dan Clough, Reporter

STAFF at five Ribble Valley off-licences were fined after selling white wine to a 16-year-old test purchaser.

Police and Trading Standards officers visited nine off-licences across Clitheroe, Whalley and Longridge as part of a crackdown on under-age drinking in the area.

Five off-licence staff were fined after they sold white wine to the test purchaser.

Licensing Officer for Eastern Division Sgt Jason Middleton said: “Children on the streets at night are very vulnerable, especially if they have been drinking.

“We’ll be working closely with Trading Standards to crack down on the illegal sale of alcohol to children and will take robust action against anyone who is caught selling alcohol to under-18s.

“We will also work with the shops in question to ensure they are doing everything they possibly can to prevent any further sales to underage children.”

Paul Noone, head of Lancashire County Council Trading Standards, said: “Selling alcohol to underage people is completely irresponsible and not only leads to anti-social behaviour but can also cause serious health problems.

“We carry out test purchases on a regular basis in partnership with the police to identify those businesses and individuals who think it is OK to do this.”

Longridge councillor Rupert Swarbrick said: “It is good that they are doing this testing.

“All power to the police for stopping the irresponsible retailers from taking advantage of youngsters.”

Anyone with information or concerns about underage drinking can contact police on 101.

Alternatively, people can contact the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555111 or report it online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.