Lancashire teenagers sought to make test purchases

6:50pm Monday 25th August 2008

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POLICE and trading standards officers are looking for volunteers to become ‘test purchasers’ in the county.

Test purchasing involves underage people or those who appear to be underage attempting to buy alcohol from off licences in Lanc-ashire. Ideally volunteers will be aged between 14 and 16.

The premises are usually specifically chosen because of their location or because of intelligence received.

Alongside test purchase operations, Lancashire Constabulary is also looking to tackle the issue of ‘buying by proxy’.

This is where young people target those over 18 either by request or sometimes by the threat of violence, for them to buy alcohol and pass it on.

David Johnnie Lead Officer Community Support from Lancashire Trading Standards said: “Buying alcohol by proxy is actually a criminal offence punishable by a fine up to £5,000.

“This type of crime seems to be on the increase and we are keen to send out a message to people that this type of activity will not be tolerated.”

If you are interested in becoming a test purchaser please contact David Johnnie at Trading standards on 01772 534373 for more information.