South East faces booze crackdown

Shopkeepers and licensees have been told to expect random checks

Nearly 400 undercover operations to trap those selling alcohol to underage drinkers are planned in the South East.

Under supervision of trading standards officers, volunteers aged under-18 will try to buy alcohol as part of the "biggest ever" national crackdown.

Trading Standards has received £19,750 in funding to tackle the problem using sting operations across the region.

They plan to carry out 130 test purchases in Kent, 120 in East Sussex, 80 in Hampshire, and 40 in West Sussex.

Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Surrey will also be targeted.

£5,000 fine

Staff caught selling alcohol to children will be fined £80, while licensees will have to pay £5,000 and face having their licenses revoked.

The crackdown coincides with new licensing laws allowing drink to be sold all day in England and Wales which came into force at midnight on Wednesday.

Government minister Paul Goggins said: "Selling alcohol to under-18s is not only irresponsible it is a criminal offence.

"Shopkeepers and licensees in the South East can expect an undercover visit from trading standards and police over the festive period."

Sussex Police have also vowed to "rigorously" deal with anyone behaving in an anti-social way due to drink.

Ch Sup Jeremy Paine said: "There is no doubt that Brighton and Hove is the place to come for the weekend to party, with 1000 licensed premises across the city."

But he warned those who get drunk and behave in a disorderly manner will face £80 on the spot fines.