Police have launched a Christmas crackdown on adults selling alcohol to youngsters in a bid to cut under-age drinking.

Witham Police will be targeting suppliers throughout the festive season and will be starting an initiative in the New Year in the battle against young people buying booze.

They will be putting up posters and sending letters to the owners of pubs, off licences and supermarkets, and keeping a vigilant watch on adults loitering outside licensed premises with youngsters. They will also be writing to schools so they are aware of the problem.

They intend to prosecute anyone caught supplying alcohol to under-age drinkers and culprits face heavy fines.

Community police officer, Emma Makey, said: "We do not want to alarm people that there is a huge problem. There is not, but at this time of year, we do get more young people drinking.

"With the millennium this year, there is going to be a party atmosphere. We want people to enjoy themselves, but we don't want it to get out of control.

"Under-age drinking causes all sort of problems. It can lead to anti-social behaviour and can also harm the young people. I have had to take a few to have their stomachs pumped and it is not pleasant."

She added: "The licensed premises in Witham are very vigilant and stop young people before they get to the tills. The problem is adults buying it for them. Many do it for a profit.

"It is unrealistic to think we can get young people to stop drinking, but we can deal with those supplying it."

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