OFF LICENCE Bargain Booze is offering a £200 reward to people who give information leading to the conviction of adults who buy alcohol for those under the age of 18.

The company, which has off licences in Lostock Gralam, Davenham and Weaverham, is working with police and various other partners to try and solve the problem.

Sandra Huggins, from the Lostock Gralam shop, said: "This is a massive problem and we want to solve it. Some adults may not be aware they are committing an offence which carries a fine of up to £1,000."

Rick Laithwaite, national licensing manager for Bargain Booze, said: "I feel this reward scheme goes some way to solving this difficult problem, which seems to be not just that adults are buying alcohol for teenagers or kids but also that adults are very often unaware they are committing an offence by doing so."

If the scheme succeeds it could reduce the incidence of under-age drinking and reduce the associated youth nuisance problems.

Sandra added: "There will only be an award if there is a conviction after an arrest. We are hoping this may act as a deterrent to adults buying alcohol for youngsters."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk