Crackdown on boozing (From Warrington Guardian)

Crackdown on boozing

UNDER age drinkers beware: you are on file.

Anyone suspected of being under 18 years old, trying to buy booze in pubs or off licences, will be recorded, thanks to an innovative register by trading standards.

Known as the refusal log, shop assistants and bar staff have been busy filling in the book with a description of the individual and what they wanted to buy - to prevent them trying their luck again.

Neil Shillen, trading standards enforcement officer, said: "Every member of staff will have to knock back someone, so the log she be constantly updated.

"As well as having a log of those attempting to buy alcohol, it also educates traders on what they can do to protect themselves."

As an official record, the book serves an additional purpose, to show that licensees are aware when youngsters illegally target their premises.

Mr Shillen added: "Places are going to find it harder to escape prosecution if they do not use the refusal log.

"Although the book was introduced some time ago, there has been a bigger push to make licensees more accountable since extended licensing law came into force."

The initiative was endorsed by borough councillor Celia Jordan after visiting a Pubwatch meeting in Stockton Heath.