RETAILERS in South Craven and across North Yorkshire are being warned against selling alcohol to under-18s.

County council trading standards officers and police have issued the message after a test purchase operation carried out across the region, including Craven, resulted in 39 retailers selling booze to children.

All the volunteers who take part in operations are either 15 or 16 and follow a strict protocol. They are instructed to tell the truth at all times and to provide identification showing their true age if requested.

Councillor Derek Bastiman, the county council’s executive member for trading standards, says: "This is a reminder of the significant role that local businesses and retailers play in protecting our children’s health by preventing them from accessing alcohol during childhood. Retailers are urged to be aware of the implications of underage sales.

"Initially we take the route of offering guidance to support retailers rather than rushing to prosecute, but we do expect that guidance to be followed."

Test purchases are in addition to work carried out by trading standards with retailers, in community alcohol partnerships across North Yorkshire.

The partnerships bring together and support councils, police, retailers, schools, health providers and community groups to reduce alcohol harm amongst young people.

Inspector Martin Metcalfe, of North Yorkshire Police, says: "It was very disappointing to see a number of businesses breaking the law and selling alcohol to minors during the latest test purchase survey. Underage drinking is one of the main causes of the anti-social behaviour we deal with, so this is very much an issue the police want to work with trading standards and other partners to tackle. I would also like to thank the premises that did pass for their diligence.

"We’ve been doing a lot of work to reduce anti-social behaviour, including launching community alcohol partnerships. These help keep children safe through education, engagement and – where necessary – enforcement.

"This scheme also offers free online training for off-licences and I would encourage business owners and their staff to use this when it’s offered, to ensure they make the right decisions around the sale of alcohol."

North Yorkshire trading standards offers responsible retailer awards, which acknowledge businesses meeting obligations related to the sale of age-restricted products.

Trading standards officers visit premises to assess existing processes and provide advice. Once any guidance is implemented, a certificate and sticker can be displayed.

For more details, visit northyorks.gov.uk/responsible-retailer-award.