Too many pubs are serving underage drinkers, police say

Trading Standards have been using young volunteers to buy alcohol from pubs, clubs and off-licences.

In the last two weeks 17 sales have been made to under 18s at 32 premises - representing 53% of sales.

Police said it would not be tolerated and promised to stop prosecute under-age sales without exception.

Councillor Maxine Callow, of Blackpool Council, said: "Over the years the Trading Standards team has provided more than enough education and advice to retailers on how to deal with underage customers.

"The results of the test purchasing exercises are very worrying and licensees should be warned that selling alcohol to under-18s is totally unacceptable and anyone breaking the law can expect legal action to be taken against them.

'Huge threat'

Any premises found serving underage customers face prosecutions and in some cases, licences being revoked.

Any adult found buying alcohol for children can also be given an �80 on-the-spot fine.

Sgt Billy Giffin, of Lancashire Constabulary, said: "We know that underage drinking is a huge threat to everyone's quality of life. Underage sales will be prosecuted without exception.

"All too often young people are either drawn into committing crime or behaving in an anti-social manner or are placed in vulnerable positions through drinking."