Don't buy booze for street kids

Teenagers congregate outside off-licences and coerce adults into buying drink and cigarettes for them - so circumventing the proof-of-age policy operated by the establishments.

Boys and girls often aged 14 and 15 are involved. Only over-18s can buy alcohol legally.

Managers say that at weekends and during school holidays they can be subjected to as many as six recognised incidents a day.

One told the Observer: "Most are refused service but as there is no effective deterrent some do succeed, to the detriment of all."

Managers say they are appalled and mystified at the number of supposedly responsible adults who will, when approached by youngsters either near or outside an off-licence and offered money, go into the outlet and purchase alcohol or tobacco products for under-aged users.

"When it is pointed out by the shop staff that a sale is suspected for the use of under-age persons and is therefore illegal the most amazing excuses are forthcoming such as 'I thought they were banned' or 'I took pity on them.'

"The point is that these youngsters are not buying the items themselves because they realise that due to the vigilance and experience of the shop staff, they will be asked for a verifiable identification which they will not have and will therefore be refused service.

"How much easier to ask a gullible member of the public to purchase the goods for them, thus putting that person at the risk of a heavy fine for carrying out an illegal act."

The off-licence managers say recent exercises by the county trading standards department were biased towards suggesting that off-trade outlets played a major part in under-age youngsters obtaining alcohol and tobacco.

On behalf of trade colleagues, the spokesman said: "It is the opinion of all managers that this is not the case.

"It is known that parents will purchase drinks for their offspring and, of course, there are adults who enter who are only too willing to purchase for the under-age; although for what conceivable reason is beyond us all."

The managers say all off-licence staff receive detailed training covering all aspects of law applying to the trade.

"It is exceedingly difficult if not near-impossible to be correct in 100 per cent of cases when trying to guess someone's age when purchasing - which is why all responsible outlets have adopted the 'No ID - no sale' approach.

"By this method we hope to reduce the number of under-age persons having access to alcohol and tobacco products.

"We take a responsible attitude and we expect the public to do the same and not to purchase any of these products for obviously under-age persons.

"If you are asked - REFUSE!

"You will be doing us all a favour by reducing the street drunkenness, rowdyism and vandalous damage to property in your region.

"It is also to noted that the act of purchasing for under-age persons is illegal and punishable by a fine or a term of prison.

"If a person is suspected or known to be buying for a youngster then the outlet can permanently refuse service to that person."

He added: "It is just not worth it. Don't do it!"