Lancashire Constabulary has given its support to Lancashire Trading Standards in its bid to tackle underage drinking.

Test purchasing involves underage people or those who appear to be underage attempting to buy alcohol from off licences in Lancashire.
Ideally you will be aged 14 to 16 and will need the consent of their parents to helpwith the operations. The premises are usually specifically chosen because of their location or because of intelligence received. The test purchasing operations are carefully managed and involve police and trading standards.

Alongside, test purchase operations Lancashire Constabulary is also looking to tackle the issue of "buying by proxy" where young people target those over 18 either by request or sometimes by the threat of violence, to buy alcohol and pass it on.

David Johnnie, Lead Officer Community Support from Lancashire Trading Standards, said: "Buying alcohol by proxy is actually a criminal offence punishable by a fine up to £5,000. This type of crime seems to be on the increase and we are keen to send out a clear message to people in Lancashire that this type of activity will not be tolerated and we are acting upon information received. Enforcement of proxy sales primarily lies with the Police; however we will support the Police with enforcement action to deter this type of activity."

If you are interested in becoming a test purchaser, contact David Johnnie at Trading Standards (Tel: 01772 534373) for more information.