Appeal for crackdown on underage drink sales

The appeal came at last Thursday night’s public DPP (District Policing Partnership) meeting in Ahoghill from member, Ballymena Councillor Audrey Wales, who also called on the area commander to consider implementing a ‘test purchasing scheme’ for alcohol in the borough.

“Why can we have a test purchasing scheme for tobacco products and not have the same for alcohol,” she said.

“To me and many of the residents I meet, this does not make sense and I would urge that this scheme is brought in as quickly as possible for all age-restricted items.

“When I was a retailer in Ballymena if, and quite rightly so, I had sold a packet of cigarettes to someeone who was underage I would have been fined and my lottery terminal removed, having a serious effect on my business,” she continued.

“We need to be making publicans, off-licences and supermarkets aware that they will have similar punishments if they do not make sure that they do not supply to underage persons or sell to those who buy for them”.

Responding, T/Ch Insp Sean Fitzpatrick said police in H District have appointed an inspector to take the lead on test purchasing training.

“Once the training has been completed, police will commence planning and preparing to undertake test purchase of alcohol operations at licensed premises in the Ballymena area,” he said.