06/08/2004

Derry off-licences hit by underage booze sting

Children as young as 14 have been sold alcohol in off-licenses across Londonderry, police have revealed.

During an uncover operation undertaken by police, teenagers aged between 14 and 16 years were accompanied by plain-clothed police officers as they attempted to purchase alcohol at eight off-licence premises across the city. Of these premises, half sold alcohol to the teenagers.

Police in the city took the decision to run the planned operation following numerous complaints from members of the public, local Councillors and licensees regarding the sale of alcohol to young people in the city.

“We have already spoken to staff members at the off-licences where offences were committed and it would be our intention to speak to the licensees involved in the near future," Acting Chief Insp Des Austin said.

(MB)

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