Public buying drink for under-age teens

12:50pm Monday 1st September 2008

By Ben Parsons, Crime Reporter

Members of the public were caught buying booze for an under-age girl in a police sting.

More than a third of people observed bought alcohol for the 16-year-old when she asked them.

Police let the culprits off with a warning but say they will fine people caught in future operations.

Licensing officers ran the sting in St James’s Street and North Street, Brighton, on Wednesday night.

A 16-year-old girl, watched by plain-clothes police, asked passers-by to buy her alcohol.

Chief Inspector Pete Mills, of Sussex Police, said: “Although it was good to see that the majority of people who refused to purchase the alcohol knew the law and actually stated they didn’t want to get fined, the fact that so many agreed to purchase the alcohol for the youth is disappointing. In this city, as well as nationally, young people obtaining alcohol can lead to reports of criminal and antisocial behaviour, not to mention the health risks involved with youngsters drinking.

“We have worked hard to test and educate off-licences regarding the sale of alcohol to minors over the years and they often mention that they struggle to stop these adults obtaining alcohol for the youths as the exchange of money and alcohol often happens away from their store.

“It would appear it is too easy for youths to get alcohol by asking members of the public as there is a willingness to purchase the alcohol for the youths.”

He warned the public they can face an £80 on-the-spot fine or court action if they buy drink for under-age youths.

He said: “Many people think that this is quite harmless but in fact it is completely the opposite.

“Not only is it illegal to purchase alcohol for under 18s it is actually totally irresponsible.”

Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, chairman of Brighton and Hove community safety forum, said: “It would appear that it is rather easy for children to get alcohol by asking members of the public to buy it for them.

“The police and Trading Standards' proactive work in educating the trade to comply with the law appears to be working. We now need to educate the residents and visitors to the city that we will take all steps necessary to prevent children obtaining alcohol and ask for their assistance in this aim.”

Ben Duncan, Sussex Police Authority’s lead member for alcohol harm reduction and a Green city councillor for Queen’s Park, said: “It is excellent that police are showing such initiative with an innovative operation like this.

“The link between under-age drinking and antisocial behaviour is well known and I know traders and residents are concerned about the issue.

“The results of this operation show how important it is that all of us take a responsible attitude to help reduce the impact of drink-related disorder on the streets of Brighton and Hove and Sussex as a whole.”

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