NI off-licences targeted in Operation Alcopop
Over half of north Belfast off-licences targeted by undercover police sold alcohol to youths as young as 13, it emerged today.
Booze was also seized from 70 teenagers in a new offensive against underage drinking.
For the first time ever in Northern Ireland police tested retailers’ willingness to break the law as part of their Operation Alcopop crackdown.
Plain clothes officers took four teenagers into 14 different outlets at the weekend.
Eight of the off-licences served, with the youngest purchaser, a 13-year-old girl, able to buy alcohol in two of the four premises she was in.
As police chiefs vowed there would be no let up in the battle to curb anti-social behaviour on the streets, mothers and fathers were urged to do more.
Chief Inspector Colin Taylor said: “I would ask the question to parents: Do you know where your children are when they go out at night and what they are getting up to?
“Everyone should have the basic human right to live quietly and peacefully.”
The tests were carried out after police visited every off-licence in north Belfast and appealed for their help.
A risk assessment was produced for the operation, with special training to stress the undercover officers’ roles and responsibilities.
Over the last two weekends 70 drink seizures were made, with 23 under 17s reported to youth diversion officers.
Another 22 names were handed to council authorities and 20 received advice from specialist workers.
Two arrests were made and drugs were seized from one of the youths stopped.
Gavin Quinn, Opportunity Youth’s Counselling and Mentoring Manager, said: “We provided a complimentary support service to young people during Operation Alcopop.
“This multi-discipline approach ensured the appropriate advice, support and health and safety tips were given to young people.”
Belfast City Council’s regulatory services manager, James Cunningham, also backed the initiative.
He said: “This tackles the problems of underage and on-street drinking, including the health and social aspects of these problems.”
