Police are getting tough with underage drinkers

Three shop owners in the Consett area face having their drinks licences revoked after officers repeatedly caught them selling alcohol to youngsters.

Over a 10-day period youngsters, aged just 14, were sent into every one of the 34 off-licences in the area, with instructions to try and buy alcohol.

The teenagers, taking part with their parents' approval and operating under close police supervision, were challenged and shown the door in the majority of premises.

But police found that in six shops, staff handed over drinks without question.

In three of them it happened on three separate occasions.

Officers now plan to make formal applications to magistrates to have drinks licences at the shops revoked.

Court appearance

A spokesman for Durham Police said: "The youngsters made a total of 77 visits at varying times of the day and evening.

"The vast majority of businesses came through the test with flying colours and flatly refused to serve 'customers' who were clearly under age.

"Those who failed will get what they deserve."

The spokesman said the three who repeatedly fell foul of the operation will be officially told of their fate - and their pending court appearance - in the next few days.

The three who transgressed only once will receive a letter warning them as to their future conduct.

The spokesman added: "The traders can have been under no illusions. They have all been warned, in writing, of the sanctions they face.

"It is not the first time we have carried out such an operation and it will most definitely not be the last."