A SHOCK survey by trading standards officers has found eight out of ten local outlets selling alcohol in the Minehead area will sell booze to schoolchildren.

Now, police are to step up a summer crackdown on premises selling alcohol to children in a bid to curb anti-social behaviour.

Minehead police commander, Insp Carol Pearce, said: "Most of the calls we get involving young people engaged in petty crime or anti-social behaviour have alcohol at the root of them.

"I appeal to all licensees that in the case of anyone looking under the age of 21, they require documentary proof that the person is 18 before allowing an alcohol purchase."

She said persistent offenders would be prosecuted.

"All agencies will be working together to tackle the illegal supply of alcohol to under age young people."

Last week's test purchases of alcohol by police and trading standards officers followed concerns raised by parish councils and local residents after increased seizures of alcohol by police and police community support officers from young people across the area.

See today's County Gazette for more on this story.

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