Crackdown on underage alcohol sales in Harlow

THE number of licensed premises in Harlow selling alcohol to underage children has dropped considerably, according to research carried out by the Community Alcohol Partnership.

Only 8.3 per cent of the town’s off-licences, shops and supermarkets failed test purchases over the past year, compared to 11 per cent in 2008/9.

In 2007/8 the test purchase failure rate in Harlow stood at a worrying 35 per cent.

Taking into account that all 60 of Harlow’s off-sales premises were test purchased at least once during 2009/10, the improvement in compliance is one of the best in Essex

Councillor Nick Churchill, chairman of the council’s licensing committee, said: “The health risks to young people from the regular consumption of alcohol are very significant.

“I know this is a very important issue and that councillors will take whatever action is necessary against any premises that come before a licensing sub-committee for selling alcohol to underage persons.

“More and more premises are getting the message that selling alcohol to children it’s not worth the risk.”

The partnership - made up of representatives from Harlow Council, Essex Trading Standards and Essex Police - will continue its work this year by shifting its focus on preventing adults buying or providing alcohol for children to take out with them.

Cllr Churchill continued: “We are leading the way in Essex with this work.

“What has been achieved by the partnership so far is exceptionally good, but this is only one part of the jigsaw.

“We will introduce new measures to tackle the other two main routes where young people get alcohol, and will do whatever we can to stop adults buying or providing alcohol for children.”