Targeting Underage Drinking

In response to complaints from local residents regarding underage drinking across the Borough, Merseyside Police in St Helens teamed up Trading Standards Officers and ran a targeted test purchasing initiative on Friday, 25 January 2008.

A 15 year old volunteer visited 9 off-licensed premises across St Helens Town Centre, Sutton, Newton, Blackbrook and Fingerpost and attempted to purchase alcohol. The sale of alcohol was refused in all 9 premises.

Councillor Teresa Sims, the Council's Executive Member for Safer Communities said:  "This proves that our message is getting out to people who sell alcohol across the Borough.  I am sure the results will please residents who raise concerns about under age drinking. 

We will continue to press home the message to make sure people realise just how dangerous it can be to supply alcohol and how it can contribute to anti social behaviour."

Constable Kevin Ward from the Licensing Department at St Helens Police Station commented "The evening's test purchasing results were particularly pleasing as it shows that the off licences in the Borough are acting in a responsible manner with regards to selling alcohol to minors. The initiative was aimed at responding to the concerns of local residents and trying to identify where young people are getting their alcohol from.

I would now like to ask parents and guardians of young people, as well as other adults, to recognise that by buying alcohol for under 18's they are acting irresponsibly and may be contributing to incidents of anti social behaviour."