Underage alcohol sales crackdown

Police and trading standards officers have joined forces to crackdown on the sale of alcohol to children.

The joint operation is targeting shops and off-licences in South Tyneside after tip-offs were received from members of the public.

Four shops are being investigated after officers gathered evidence from underage test purchases being made.

Police are also investigating incidents where adults bought alcohol on behalf of children.

Ch Insp Dave Metcalfe, of Northumbria Police, said the crackdown was part of the force's ongoing campaign against binge drinking - The Party's Over.

He said: "We take reports of shops selling alcohol illegally very seriously.

"These young people who consume drink often then become involved in alcohol fuelled disorder and intimidation in their neighbourhoods, particularly at weekends.

Illegal sales

"All too often this has a negative affect on the quality of life for people living in their communities.

"This makes us doubly determined to catch shop workers who sell this alcohol and young people themselves who commit anti-social behaviour."

Trading Standards officers in South Tyneside have had eight convictions in the last year for illegal underage alcohol sales.

David Brooks, Trading Standards manager for South Tyneside, added: "We want to work with responsible licensees, but we are determined to stamp out the unacceptable behaviour of the small minority that causes so much nuisance for the rest of the community.

"Where we have evidence of illegal sales we will prosecute and also seek to have licenses revoked."

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