Adolescent drunkeness in Reading linked to underage sales there

Reading Borough Council officials conducted 41 test purchases between September and November.

Police said they issued nine penalty notices for disorder to employees and cautioned two others.

Councillor Steve Waite said these were not just "odd accidental mistakes" but something that was commonplace among some "rogue elements" in business.

"It is no coincidence that reports of adolescent drunken behaviour in the Caversham area is linked to a number of local stores prepared to sell alcohol to underage drinkers," he added.

Sgt Darren Brown from Thames Valley Police said: "Premises have a duty to act responsibly and not serve to anyone under the age of 18.

"In Reading we have the Challenge 21 scheme and we encourage staff to have the confidence to challenge people who look underage when attempting to buy alcohol from their premises."

The council and police said there were five premises in Caversham, two in Caversham Road and one each in Tilehurst, Norfolk Road, and Whitley Street caught.

Retailers who persistently sell alcohol to minors can be prosecuted.

If found guilty, the penalty is a maximum fine of �10,000 or a three-month suspension of their licence or both.