A crackdown on licensees who sell alcohol to underage youngsters has been pledged in the wake of rising crime in Billericay.
David Dadds, Basildon Council's portfolio holder for licensing, spoke out after Billericay police accused many local retailers of flouting the law by allowing minors to buy drink.
Insp Richard Croft said staff at some stores were helping to fuel rising crime rates in the town by irresponsibly selling to underage drinkers.
He claimed some youngsters were being exploited by drug dealers while under the influence of alcohol in Billericay's Lake Meadows park.
Police plan to put up posters warning youngsters and traders of the perils of underage drinking, in a move backed by Billericay East councillor Mr Dadds.
He said: "I am hoping there will be a crackdown on sales of alcohol to underage people and of sales to older people who are then passing alcohol on to the youngsters."
He agreed with the officer's claim that youngsters who drink are responsible for the rising level of criminal damage.
He added: "If these licensees are caught I am going to ask that they are dealt with robustly because selling to minors is just not acceptable."
Published Monday July 19, 2004
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