Crack down on Lincolnshire alcohol abuse

The In Focus: Alcohol Harm initiative will see officers taking to the county’s streets to carry out checks on licensed premises.

The initiative will include a test purchasing operation, enforcement activity regarding underage drinking and proxy purchasing, when an adult buys alcohol for somebody underage.

Emma Milligan, senior trading standards officer, said: “The sale of alcohol to people under the age of 18 is unacceptable.

“Operations such as this one help tackle the problem of underage drinking by sending out a clear message to traders that we are monitoring their activity and that we are prepared to take action against those that break the law.”

As part the campaign officers will also be checking whether premises are complying with the terms of their licence.

As well as checking for underage sales this will involve checking whether premises are not staying open beyond agreed times.

Chief Superintendent Paul Gibson, who is heading the Lincolnshire campaign, said: “Sadly no area is immune to the problems of crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour associated with under age drinking and the night time economy.

“This week of action gives us an opportunity to highlight the tireless efforts made by our officers towards addressing the issues of harm caused by alcohol.”

In Focus: Alcohol Harm is part of a national campaign to promote alcohol awareness and responsible drinking.