Police snare adults buying booze for youths

Police in Rochdale have been targeting youth nuisance in the Littleborough area.

Officers ran an undercover initiative over three weekends to address the problem, and as a result witnessed two adults buying alcohol for youths - the pair were each given £80 fixed penalty notices.

Partnership Inspector for the Pennines, Lin Houldershaw, said: “These fines show that we will not tolerate adults buying alcohol for youths.  I would also remind people that it is illegal to do so, and urge them to ignore young people who may try to persuade them to buy alcohol on their behalf.

“Drink contributes to a great deal of anti-social behaviour in Littleborough, and adults who buy alcohol for young people are helping this unacceptable trend to continue. We will continue to use undercover operations to target offenders.”

Councillor Ted Flynn, Cabinet Member for Community, Safety and Leisure, added: “People need to be clear that buying alcohol for youngsters is not acceptable, and I hope that the two people who were fined during this operation will reflect on what they’ve done.  Those who persist in buying alcohol for youths must be penalised, and I support the police in taking strong action to curb this activity.”