Underage alcohol sales tackled in Rochdale

Underage alcohol sales tackled in Rochdale

A week long campaign aimed at reducing the number of underage drinkers and related anti-social behaviour took place throughout Alcohol Awareness Week.

The licensing team from Rochdale Council joined forces with police officers and carried out visits to licensed premises and retailers across the borough to check that staff weren’t selling alcohol to minors. During their visits they also inspected the premises to make sure all activity was compliant with their licensing conditions.

But a crucial element of the campaign consisted of the police and council gathering vital intelligence about suspected adults who have been buying alcohol for young people.

It’s a criminal offence to buy alcohol on behalf of someone under 18 years old and carries a punishable fine of up to £5000.

Letters were issued to residents in known anti-social behaviour hotspots, appealing for the community to come forward with information about suspected perpetrators or premises where underage sales are taking place. The letters also provided a stern warning of the consequences if caught buying alcohol for young people.

Bev Wilkinson, Licensing Manager of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Limiting youngsters’ access to alcohol though underage sale or proxy sales, whereby an adult agrees to buy alcohol for youths, is an important part of helping to reduce anti-social behaviour in our communities and safeguarding the health and well-being of young people.

“We’ve been reminding retailers and licensees across the borough about the importance of asking for photographic ID before selling any age restricted products. But also, we know that on occasions some adults have felt pressured into buying alcohol for youths refused service. Our advice is to politely decline any requests as it would be you who would be left having to pay the hefty fine if caught.”

Pubs, shops and restaurants come under scrutiny by police and the licensing team carrying out licensing checks in Rochdale and Middleton.

Daisy Edwards, licensing officer for Rochdale Division, said: "Buying alcohol for those underage is a criminal offence and we will take action against anyone found doing this.

"It is important for retailers to remember to make the appropriate checks on those individuals buying alcohol either for themselves or for youths.

"Our officers are often called out following residents concerns over antisocial behaviour caused by youths found hanging around drinking alcohol and it is this type of behaviour we are working hard to bring down."

Dale Mulgrew, cabinet member response for community safety at Rochdale Borough Council, added: "Communities need to stand strong against anti-social behaviour which means avoiding buying alcohol for young people. By doing this you are playing a vital part in ridding our communities of youth nuisance.”