A 57-YEAR-OLD man has been fined for buying alcohol for youngsters gathered out-side a Runcorn off-licence.
He received an £80 on-the-spot fine from Community Action Team officer PC David Grundy after he was spotted buying drink for teenagers outside Bargain Booze on the High Street.
He admitted the offence during an interview at Runcorn Police Station and CAT officers are warning others will suffer the same fate if they buy for those too young to drink alcohol.
PC Grundy said: 'It is an offence to buy alcohol on behalf of children and it will not be tolerated. I think this recent example sends out that message loud and clear.
'This isn't about spoiling young people's fun. Underage drinking is often a contributory factor to nuisance youth issues and there are also serious risks to health to consider. We as local police don't want the children in our communities to be linked to either of those problems.
'We take our responsibility to reduce the potential for this very seriously. I know the majority of adults do too.
'I just hope this action encourages the handful of adults who do buy alcohol for youngsters to change their ways.' simon.drury@cheshirenews.co.uk
'Challenge 21' scheme encouraged
ON-THE-SPOT fines can be issued to anyone aged over 18 who buys booze for those aged under 18 and those fined in the past include shop workers and bar people.
Licensed premises are encouraged to run the Challenge 21 scheme, which advises staff to always ask for ID if a customer buying booze looks under 21, to help reduce the risk of receiving a fine.
And regular operations with agencies such as Trading Standards put premises to the test by using test buy purchases which involve teenagers attempting to buy goods they are too young to legally buy.
Anyone with information about the supply of alcohol to under 18s are encouraged to contact local officers.
The Runcorn CAT can be contacted by leaving a message on 0845 458 6381. Alternatively, people can pass information to the police anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
