Police target underage drinking in South Oxfordshire
THAME Valleypolice have today published an update from PCSO Michelle Jacques on behalf of the neighbourhood policing team, about underage drinking operations in Thame, Watlington, Chinnor, Chalgrove and Wheatley areas.
“Underage drinking has been identified as a priority community concern following public consultation and is a focus point for the neighbourhood action group. The Thame sector neighbourhood team has taken a proactive approach to tackle the problem. Officers have been working in the community to educate local youths of the dangers in a bid to reduce alcohol-related incidents.
In February, the Thame neighbourhood policing team conducted an underage drinking operation during the school holidays. Several bottles of spirits were seized from under age youths during targeted patrols. Licensing breaches were identified at two off-licences on the sector, resulting in temporary closures.
I would like to remind parents that alcohol should be monitored and stored safely at home.
The team have also been conducting a number of licensed premise operations during March, working in conjunction with South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) licensing department. Operations are aimed at targeting the supply of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 and reducing alcohol related incidents.
Three licensed premised were found to be supplying alcohol to persons under the legal age. Fixed penalty notices were issued to staff committing offences and premises reported to SODC licensing department for consideration on review of licence. Management at the offending locations have been provided with strong direction as to staff training.
Test purchases will continue throughout the sector as part of a positive strategy by Thames Valley Police and partners. Advice and guidance for all licensing issues is available from South Oxford District Council www.southoxon.gov.uk.”
For information about your local neighbourhood policing team, please visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk or call 0845 8 505 505.
