Teen boozing on the up (From Warrington Guardian)

Teen boozing on the up

A MAJOR crackdown has been launched on illegal boozing as a study showed that more than half of teens aged under 18 drink alcohol.

Startling figures revealed 53 per cent of 14 to 17 year olds in Warrington drink alcohol on a regular basis.

The two-month campaign by Trading Standards and Warrington Police will demand anyone who looks under 21 to prove their age when buying drink.

According to the survey more than a quarter of children in the area drink once or twice a month. While just eight per cent have never tried alcohol.

Paul Draycott, deputy licensing officer for Warrington Police, said: "Under age drinking is a big problem in Warrington and often leads to incidents of anti-social behaviour which officers then have to deal with."

Retailers could be fined up to £1,000 and have their licence revoked if they are caught selling alcohol to young people. Under age culprits can be slapped with a £50 penalty.

Clr Pat Wright, executive member for community services, said: "Alcohol abuse is putting young lives at risk. Not only is their health at risk, very often they can become involved in trouble in our communities. Often their behaviour when drinking can plague decent, hardworking families."