Maidenhead & Windsor

Underage Sales - Thumbs-Up For Local Maidenhead Off-Licences

Maidenhead Royal Borough trading standards officers have given a big thumbs up to local off-licences following the latest joint operation aimed at clamping down on Maidenhead under-age sales of alcohol.

Officers working with the police and members of the Maidenhead council's licensing team visited seven premises across the borough, and specially-trained young people - all aged under 16 - attempted to buy alcohol whilst being secretly monitored by trading standards staff.

The majority of Maidenhead retailers asked for ID or proof of age and no sales were carried out. This contrasts with previous similar operations in the last two years which have resulted in traders and shop staff being prosecuted and cautioned for making illegal sales. Earlier this year, the police also issued their first £80 fixed penalty notice to a shop assistant at a borough off-licence for selling alcohol to a minor.

This week's operation was part of the third national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign aimed not just at preventing underage sales of alcohol but also more widely at eliminating Maidenhead town centre alcohol-related disorder.

Steve Johnson, Maidenhead trading standards manager said: "We are delighted that the message seems to be getting through to retailers that they must always ask for proof of age and must refuse to sell alcohol - and other age-restricted products - to minors."

Debie Pearmain, police licensing officer, said: "Together with our partners, we have invested a lot of time over recent months to ensure that alcohol is not being sold to under age drinkers.

"This week's initiative, which supports Thames Valley Police's Operation Hangover, is encouraging and I would continue to urge designated premises supervisors and their staff to take care when serving young people."

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ~ 22-Dec-2005