DVD about proxy alcohol purchases

Teenagers in south Leicestershire have produced a short film highlighting the issue of adults illegally buying alcohol for underage drinkers.

The DVD, made by pupils at Guthlaxton College in Wigston, aims to show the consequences of proxy purchasing.

It was launched on Wednesday in front of police and other local officials.

Pc Kevin Love said they were trying to raise awareness that buying alcohol on behalf of underage people was a criminal offence carrying penalties.

Student participation

He said: "What a lot of people are not aware of is the problem of proxy purchasing - where an adult buys alcohol for young people, hands it over to them and they go off drink it - and it causes problems.

"If somebody does that, they're actually committing a criminal offence which can lead to an £80 instant fine... and even end up with a £5,000 fine in court if it goes that way."

It is not an offence for a parent to buy alcohol for their child to drink in the home under their supervision.

Five students took part in the film, which was shot professionally, while some pupils took part in the editing.

It will be circulated among schools, local shops and alcohol outlets.

The Tackling Alcohol Proxy Purchasing (Tapp) Project is an initiative set up by Leicestershire Police, Trading Standards, Guthlaxton College, Leicestershire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council, Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, Blaby District Council and Harborough District Council.