A WARNING has been issued to off-licences in Hartlepool in a bid to crack down on sales of alcohol to to children.

It follows an operation last month involving volunteers, all aged 14, who were served with multi-packs of lager by three shops without having to show a proof of age.

Ian Harrison, the principal licensing officer at Hartlepool Borough Council said: "We are extremely concerned to see that some shopkeepers were not only willing to sell alcohol to children who were too young, but that they were prepared to do so without asking questions.

"We are not prepared to tolerate such a situation and will take action to stop traders flouting the law, which could ultimately involve us seeking the revocation of their licences.

"We know that anti-social behaviour is a great concern to the people of Hartlepool and that much of this behaviour is fuelled by alcohol.

"We are committed to identifying and prosecuting any retailer who sells alcohol to children."

Two of the sales took place in the West View area of town and the other in Dyke House. The names of the businesses are not being released because investigations are continuing.

Mr Harrison said: "The law requires traders to take steps to ensure people buying alcohol are old enough to do so, and if there is any doubt, they should not sell.

"We always take steps to carefully choose the schoolchildren we use as volunteers to ensure there is absolutely no doubt they are too young to buy alcohol."

Four shops refused to sell alcohol to the youngsters, and Mr Harrison praised their vigilance and hailed them as an example to others.

Anyone with any information about sales of alcohol to children can call (01429) 523362.