A SUMMER campaign to clamp down on youngsters who illegally buy alcohol and cause misery for residents, has been launched by police in Stockton.

Letters and posters have gone out to all 150 premises in the town which sell alcohol, warning them they could face losing their licence if they are caught selling drink to under- 18s.

As part of Operation Alcoteens, plain-clothed officers will visit shops, supermarkets and off-licences with 15-year-old volunteer test purchasers in an effort to identify outlets which are breaking the law.

Inspector John Coates, of Stockton police, said: "We had a positive response from most licensees last time we ran a similar operation, and we're repeating it this summer because of a number of recent incidents where young people are intoxicated during the evening.

"This is just one prong in our strategy against youth disorder and we are confident it will be a success."

Licensees have been given advance warning of the operation, which will be carried out according to strict guidelines.

Insp Coates said: "The ultimate aim of this is revocation of licences from constant offenders, but I sincerely hope shop holders will work with us to ensure we do not have to go to such drastic lengths."

A similar operation took place two years ago and resulted in licences being taken from five outlets, including two from leading supermarket chains.