Adults who purchase alcohol for youngsters have been warned that their actions could land them with an £80 fine or even a court appearance.

The stark message comes from Sgt Simon Wilson of the Northallerton Safer Neighbourhoods Team who recently handed a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) to a local man who committed the offence at a shop just off Northallerton High Street.

The 42-year-old man was arrested after buying eight cans of lager and vodka shots on behalf of a group of 16-year-old girls.

After admitting the offence while in police custody, the man was issued with an £80 PND. If he had contested the offence the case would have gone to court.

“The issue of people aged over 18 who buy alcohol and misguidedly pass it on to youngsters is a great concern," said Sgt Wilson.

Together with our partners in trading standards and the licensed trade, we will continue our efforts to clamp down on the problem by prosecuting anyone caught committing this offence

Simon Wilson - Northallerton Safer Neighbourhoods

“Not only does alcohol-fuelled behaviour place increasing demands on the police and makes life difficult for local residents, it also makes the youngsters themselves extremely vulnerable to crime and injury as a consequence of being under the influence of drink.

“Together with our partners in trading standards and the licensed trade, we will continue our efforts to clamp down on the problem by prosecuting anyone caught committing this offence.”

Sgt Wilson also urged parents to be extra vigilant regarding their children’s behaviour and whereabouts during the school summer holiday period.

Anyone with information about similar offences in the area, then please contact the Northallerton Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 60 60 24 7.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0845 60 60 24 7. To report an off-license for selling alcohol to under-age customers, contact North Yorkshire Trading Standards on (01609) 534800.

Greig Tindall
Press Office
North Yorkshire Police
01609 789146
31 July 2008