Serve underage drinkers and face closure

Thursday, 9 December 2004 3:16 PM

Police will be given the power to immediately close down pubs and clubs if their owners are persistently allowing underage youths to drink there, Prime Minister Tony Blair announced today.

He said the Government would "look for the first legislative opportunity" to introduce the legislation giving police the new powers.

Speaking in Sheffield on a platform with Home Secretary David Blunkett, the Prime Minister said he wanted to send a clear message to the owners of licensed premises: "You cannot sell alcohol to young people under the age and get away with it."

Police can already order 24-hour closures of licensed premises for a range of reasons, but have not been able to do so on grounds of underage drinking.

Mr Blair acknowledged underage drinking had always taken place - "We all know that," he said - but insisted it was "pernicious" if it happened on a regular basis.

"It can be very, very damaging for the young people and their health." If the Government did not move swiftly on this matter, the penalty would be greater danger for young people and more anti-social behaviour and disorder, he added.

The Prime Minister did not go into detail on this latest initiative, but said it was part of the "gradual" roll-out of his Government's drive to tackle anti-social behaviour, which was all about putting power into the hands of law-abiding citizens to take control of their local area.

"It's high time we brought respect back into our communities," he added.

This summer's police blitz on underage alcohol sales and anti-social behaviour, saw over 4000 fixed penalty notices issued for alcohol-related crime such as drunk and disorderly behaviour and harassment.

Out of nearly 1825 sting operations on suspected premises 51 per cent of pubs and clubs, and 32 per cent of off-licensees were found to be selling to under 18s.

Speaking at the time, Home Secretary David Blunkett said that he would be writing to the heads of repeat offending establishments, asking them what action they intend to take. And Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, who is responsible for licensing, stressed that under the Government's shake-up of licensing laws. there will be an increase in the maximum fine from £1000 to £5000 for anyone caught selling alcohol to under 18s.

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), many of whose members sell alcohol, said that they were disappointed by the underage sale figures. However, it argued that the Government needed to promote a change of culture whereby being asked for identification upon purchase was viewed as normal.

Its head of public affairs, James Lowman, said: "The No ID No Sale message must become a feature of operational and consumer culture across the country. Customers must expect to be challenged to prove their age. Sadly, at present this challenge is the biggest cause of threats, intimidation and abuse of staff working in shops. It is time for the Government to support retailers by issuing this No ID No Sale message and backing it with a concerted effort to communicate it to young people."

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