New blitz on illegal drink sales

8.27.59pm GMT Sun 23rd Mar 2008

• A FRESH warning to shopowners about illegal alcohol sales to underage children has been issued by Richmond Council.

Working in partnership with the police, the Council has just launched a new blitz on off-licences and other shops selling alcohol to snare any traders who are flouting the law. The covert operations involve teenage volunteers buying alcohol, supervised by Council Trading Standards officers. Despite repeated reminders of the law, a minority of traders still sell liquor to people under the age of 18 without any questions being asked or proof of age requested.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Martin Elengorn, said: "Our operations usually flush out at least one trader prepared to sell alcohol to a child. There is absolutely no excuse. Shopowners know the law, we have reminded them of it many times. I would urge traders to ensure staff are trained to look out for underage drinkers and to be able to deal with them in the right manner. For a trader to sell alcohol to anyone underage is irresponsible, can harm a child's health and fuel anti-social behaviour. We will continue our operations, in partnership with the police, and won't hesitate to prosecute the culprits and press for the highest penalties."