Shopkeepers across Hertfordshire are being warned to stop selling alcohol to underage drinkers.

County council trading standards officers are working with the police, sending young volunteers to shops to see whether they will be allowed to buy alcoholic drinks.

In recent tests one out of 15 shops sold alcohol to a 14-year-old. More tests are to be run soon, and shopkeepers caught out could face losing their licences.

Sgt Catherine Hart said: "We are planning more spot checks, including visits to premises where we have had complaints from the public about illegal sales of alcohol."

August 21, 2002 14:30