Thirteen off-licences have been targeted by police and Telford & Wrekin Council officers in a crackdown on under-age sales.

All but one passed the spot check and refused to sell booze without seeing identification.

Now enforcement action is being considered against the one business that failed the sting.

The operation was part of the council’s commitment to reducing alcohol sales to people under the legal age limit of 18.

The spot checks are carried out by the authority’s night time economy team in partnership with the police throughout the year.

But the council said at this time of year there was often an increase in attempts by under-18s to buy alcohol and other age-restricted goods.

This time 12 of the off-licences targeted refused the sale, which the council said reflected the amount of work the night time economy team had put into the Telford & Wrekin Proof of Age Scheme.

Test purchase operations will continue to be carried out by the council.

Councillor Miles Hosken, cabinet member for community protection and cohesion, said: “The council, alongside the police and other agencies, carries out test purchase operations throughout the year.

“However, this time of year often sees an increase so it is important to stress to all shop workers that they must be vigilant.”

He added: “We also hope that our work with youngsters will discourage them from even attempting to buy age-restricted products in the borough, and also that we are successfully promoting the scheme so that all local young people carry a PASS card.

“When asked, Telford and Wrekin retailers of age-restricted products frequently complain that they cannot tell a young person’s age based on appearance.

“They need, and indeed want, a reliable means of confirming a young person’s age – the Telford & Wrekin Proof of Age Scheme, provides this reassurance.”

If you would like to apply for a PASS card for £2.50 call (01952) 383263.

By Lisa Rowley