Faking it will be so costly (From Barry And District News)

Faking it will be so costly

A STAGGERING 60 percent of shops and supermarkets in Barry are selling alcohol to under-age youngsters.

These are the shocking findings by South Wales Police and trading standards, following a Vale-wide undercover operation.

Volunteers aged between 13 and 16 attempted to buy alcohol at various premises across the county, as part of a national crackdown on rogue licensees and drunken loutishness.

For the week ending Sunday, December 11, undercover youngsters managed to buy alcohol in six of the ten shops and supermarkets they were sent to.

As a result of this, three 80 fixed penalty notices were issued, and three licensees reported for summons.

In a stark warning to retailers and licensees, the chief inspector at Barry police station, Nigel Lewis, said: "The new licensing laws give traders much greater freedom about how they conduct their business, but this doesn't absolve them of their responsibilities.

"My message to traders is simple; if a customer is lucky enough to look under 21, ask to see their ID. Genuine customers will not be offended.

"Selling alcohol to under-18s is not only irresponsible it is a criminal offence."

The Vale's principal trading standards officer, Simon Wilkinson, added: "We are not out to catch traders - this is a fair test to see if they are observing legal requirements. Those who are doing so have nothing to fear.

"However, the failure rates we have experienced are unacceptable and too high."

The task of identifying under-age youngsters, however, is becoming more and more difficult, as an increasing number of children are carrying fake identification and proof of age cards.

A range of websites offer bogus cards, such as a National Identity Card, a European Driving Permit, and various seemingly'accredited' proof of age cards, costing between 10 and 25.

Trading standards officers applied for a variety of cards using false information and postal orders. All cards were bogus and no checks were made on the actual age of the applicant. In some circumstances, the money was taken, but no card was supplied.

They are now advising traders who sell age restricted products to accept only passports, photographic drivers' licences and proof of age cards bearing PASS holographic logo, such as Validate or Citizen -Card.

Shopkeepers and licensees in the Vale are being told to expect an undercover visit from trading standards over the festive season.