Shops praised for crackdown on underage alcohol sales

SHOPKEEPERS across the county have been praised for heeding a campaign to reduce the sale of alcohol to children. Since September 25 Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards have conducted 42 test purchases for alcohol and none of the shops visited

SHOPKEEPERS across the county have been praised for heeding a campaign to reduce the sale of alcohol to children.

Since September 25 Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards have conducted 42 test purchases for alcohol and none of the shops visited sold to the underage volunteers.

The tests purchase operations were carried out throughout the year to ensure shops are complying with the law regarding the sale of alcohol.

County Cllr Tony Orgee, cabinet member for the economy and environment, said: "This is a very pleasing result and proves that the work being done by trading standards is really making a difference.

"I'm pleased that when revisited, shops that previously failed have checked for ID from our volunteers and not made a sale."

Many retailers, including all of the larger supermarket chains, now have a 'Challenge 25' policy, whereby if someone trying to buy an age-restricted product appears to be under 25, they will be challenged to prove they are over 18.

INFORMATION: Anyone wanting to contact trading standards regarding underage sales should phone 01954 284635 or e-mail cambscap@cambridgeshire.gov.uk