Shops caught selling kids booze
Two shops in Telford have been caught selling alcohol to under-18s in a two-day undercover operation.
Two shops in Telford have been caught selling alcohol to under-18s in a two-day undercover operation.
Teams from Telford & Wrekin Council's trading standards department and police organised visits to 28 stores in the borough.
It was timed to coincide with the release of GCSE results on August 23 - a time often linked to a rise in underage drinking as 16-year-olds celebrate their exam results.
Another operation took place on Thursday.
The council said trading standards officers were "continuing investigations" in relation to the two premises caught. It declined to name the stores.
Jacqui Seymour, the council's cabinet member for adult and consumer care, said the council would not tolerate shops selling alcohol to people under-age.
"Under-age drinking and the anti-social behaviour associated with it is a very serious issue for many people," she said.
"This operation shows that licensees and business owners must ensure that they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent the sale of alcohol to underage persons.
"This includes up-to-date training, supervision and monitoring of staff, the use of shop notices/signage and the adoption of a 'PASS' accredited proof of age scheme.
"Retailers should also look at joining the Challenge 21 policy as this leaves very little room for anyone under 18 to fool retailers into selling them alcohol."
Inspector Paul Franks, for West Mercia police, warned that shops selling to under-age persons risked not only prosecution but also having their licence to sell alcohol removed.
By Dave West