Over 1 in 4 of the 59 businesses tested by Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards and Police in Cumbria broke the law by selling alcohol to children. 16 traders sold alcohol to underage children in a three month sting across the county. Fixed penalty notices were issued in relation to these offences.
The businesses were caught out when Trading Standards officers recruited 14-15 year olds to act as secret shoppers. The action was part of the Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC) launched by the North West’s five police forces and 22 Trading Standards teams. Across the region 379 of the 1076 businesses tested sold alcohol to children. Research has revealed that more than half the regions 14-17 year olds illegally drink alcohol each week. A survey of nearly 13,000 North West teenagers found that 40% of under age drinkers claim to buy their own alcohol, most often from off-licenses, pubs and clubs.
Phil Ashcroft the Head of Cumbria Trading Standards says:
“The message is clearly not getting through to some retailers –you cannot sell alcohol to young people under 18. It is irresponsible and illegal and we are determined to bring bring appropriate sanctions to bear on those traders who flout the law. Because of the misery this offence causes right across our communities we will continue to carry out test purchases to ensure the law is being obeyed.”
In April 2005 the Government introduced penalties to help curb under age alcohol sales. Retailers face being fined up to £1000 if caught selling alcohol to minors and having their alcohol license revoked.