Proxy sales clampdown 'a success'

A crackdown on adults who buy alcohol for under-18s has led to a number of prosecutions in a Cumbrian town.

Police in Ulverston have been clamping down on so-called proxy sales in a bid to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

Officers worked closely with owners of licensed premises during an initiative described as a success by the town's community officer.

It led to eight prosecutions over a seven-month period.

Pc Nigel Tallontire, Ulverston's community officer, said any youths found in possession of alcohol had it taken from them.

He said: "I then conduct follow-up enquiries and through a carefully documented audit system used by the licensees, I have been able to establish exactly who has bought the alcohol, and where from.

"As a result, there have been eight cases where adults have been prosecuted as a result of our enquiries."