Research links some anti-social behaviour to under-age drinking

Of the 49 "sting" operations conducted across Oxfordshire - where a 14-year-old volunteer visited licensed premises - 37% were found breaking the law.

Staff had failed to ask to see a form of identification. Special advice packs will now be sent to all off-licences.

Trading Standards officer Richard Webb said the results were "disappointing".

'Facing prosecution'

Nigel Strick, head of Oxfordshire County Council's trading standards, said: "We are very effective here in Oxfordshire at targeting our sting operations at problem retailers.

"Further sting operations will be arranged to target those who ignore the advice."

Councillor John Farrow, executive member for community safety, said: "Retailers need to act responsibly when selling alcohol or any other age-restricted product.

"At the end of the day, both the licensee and the sales assistant selling alcohol to a person under 18 can be prosecuted, so everyone needs to know what they should be doing."

Licensed premises will be sent information packs next month.