An undercover crackdown on off-licences selling booze to underage teens in Lichfield has uncovered no culprits, say police.
A Staffordshire Police operation carried saw two 16-year-old visit eight shops and stores in Lichfield and Fazeley.
The aim of the visits last week was to test whether staff were complying with the law. Staffordshire Police spokesman Peter Stevens said officers were delighted to find the teenagers were refused every time.
He said: “The young people went to six shops in Lichfield and two in Fazeley.
“In all of the stores they were asked to show ID - which they didn’t have - and when they couldn’t produce it, staff wouldn’t sell it to them.”
The test purchases in Lichfield followed similar operations in Tamworth and Burton, where the young customers managed to buy booze in three out of the 15 shops they visited.
Staff at the stores which illegally handed over the alcohol have been given £80 fixed penalty notices for selling to a person under 18.
Further action may also be taken against the shops.
Police teamed up with Staffordshire Trading Standards to carry out the operation.
Mr Stevens said: “The operation in Lichfield and Fazeley was a big success.
“We are really pleased that the message about selling alcohol to underage youngsters seems to be getting through. Our thanks goes to all the shops who have been listening to what we have to say.
“We took this action together with Trading Standards because of big concerns about underage drinking, and the anti-social behaviour and violence it can lead to,” he added.
Mr Stevens said similar test purchases would continue to be carried out.
“We will be continuing with these operations, particularly as it comes into the warmer months and young people start gathering in parks in the evenings,” he added.
By Kerry McDermott
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