Police crackdown on teen drinkers

Teen drinkers will be facing the full force of the law as new powers have been given to police to crack down on the menace.

The Policing and Crime Act has been amended giving police powers to confiscate alcohol without having to prove that the person had intended to drink it.

A new offence has also been introduced specifically for the under-18s, for the persistent possession of alcohol in a public place.

Those responsible for allowing children to purchase alcohol will face tough new three strikes and local communities will be able to call for reviews on retailers that sell alcohol.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said:  “The powers coming in to force today support our work to delay the age at which young people start drinking alcohol. It is right that we give the police tough powers to crack down on the very small minority of young people who are causing problems in their communities.”