Many youths said they bought alcohol from the corner shop
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A project to bring together off licences and local stores in an effort to cut underage drinking is being launched in a Northumberland town.
Blyth Valley Alcohol Task Group (ATG) is piloting the project after research showed 22% of young drinkers purchased their alcohol from their corner shop.
The project will offer advice and training to traders.
It is backed by Blyth Valley Council which will issue licences for shops to sell alcohol.
Research conducted last year found that almost one quarter of regular young drinkers bought their alcohol at their corner shop.
The ATG is considering making membership of the new scheme compulsory for all applicants of licences to sell alcohol.
Some local traders, including Sainsbury's, have already backed the scheme.
Gary Maddison, owner of the Spar store in Seghill, said: "I would urge all local retailers to become involved to help eradicate underage drinking within the borough. Working together is the key."
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