Underage sales scheme for staff

A scheme has been set up targeting retailers in parts of West Yorkshire who have been caught out selling alcohol to underage people.

The Responsible Retailer Scheme involves a course for off-licence employees who failed test purchases of alcohol in the Kirklees area.

It covers the law and how to make difficult refusals.

Police said if employees failed a test purchase they would be expected to attend the course.

So far, staff from more than 29 off-licences have attended the training programme voluntarily.

Helen Simpson, community safety officer for Kirklees Council, said: "Test purchases are taking place across Kirklees to continue to catch those responsible for selling to people underage.

"It is often difficult for staff to tackle this problem, which is why we provide ongoing support to ensure they become responsible retailers."