The Tregaron raid could be the first of many in Ceredigion

And the clampdown on the pub at Tregaron by five officers could be the first of many swoops on public houses in Ceredigion because of a new initiative launched by Dyfed-Powys Police.

The recent appointment of a licensing officer, based at Cardigan, will allow problems associated with public houses to be co-ordinated in a more focused way than in the past.

According to Insp Alun Samuel of Lampeter police, four youngsters aged between 12 and 16, were allegedly caught drinking under age at The Red Lion in Tregaron during the evening of 20 June.

Our main weapon is the element of surprise because nobody knows where we will turn up next John Evans, licensing officer

The four, along with bar staff, were reported for alleged licensing offences.

The case file has been sent to the Crown Prosecution Service who will decide on what course of action to take.

Examinations

"We want to send a clear message to parents that we are cracking down on underage drinkers in Ceredigion and that anyone caught will be reported to the youth offending team and social services," said Insp Samuel.

"We intend to carry out further checks on licensed premises within the area to ensure the law is being complied with."

The owner of the Red Lion, Ifan David Evans, died in April and the pub is now in the hands of the executor of his estate, Dafydd Gwyn Evans.

The full transfer of the licence will take place in the next two weeks.

Police will keep a close eye on underage drinkers

"These alleged offences haven't been proven yet and although the police are making threatening noises their case is pretty weak," said Mr Evans.

"The police raid took place on the day that a lot of pupils finished their school examinations and I suppose we shall have to see what happens next."

"But as far as I am aware these youngsters were drinking pop that evening."

But the Red Lion looks like being the first of many pubs that will be raided over the next few months.

Licensing officer, PC John Evans, said the force would act on any intelligence they gained about problems in pubs.

"Our main weapon is the element of surprise because nobody knows where we will turn up next," he said.

Late drinking as well as underage drinking will be addressed in the coming months.