Campaigns targeting under-age drinking are working in Sudbury, according to police and Trading Standards

POLICE and trading standards officers in the Babergh district say results from a recent alcohol test purchasing operation prove a campaign targeting anti-social behaviour is working.

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Officers from Sudbury and Great Cornard Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) and Trading Standards conducted the joint operation on February 10, in which 11 local shops and licensed premises in the two towns were tested.

All of the premises refused to serve under-age volunteers with alcohol or tobacco, and all filled out the required refusals register.

Last December, Sudbury police were “disappointed” to find three shops in the town selling alcohol to under-age customers, despite the ongoing initiative to curb anti-social behaviour. Three stores in or close to Sudbury town centre were issued with warnings.

Sgt Kevin Horton said three out of five shops was “an unsatisfactory result” adding: “The message should be getting through not to sell to those under age, and to ask for identification if in doubt.”

Following the latest successful operation, Pc Jon Gerrish of Sudbury and Great Cornard SNT said: “It is excellent that we had 100% success in this operation, but we will continue to ensure that all premises in the Babergh district remain responsible and obey the law.

“We regularly conduct these joint operations and deal robustly with any premises that sell alcohol to underage individuals, with the help of Trading Standards.”

Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Colin Spence described the latest campaign as “a positive result for Sudbury and Great Cornard, with local traders taking responsibility for challenging young people where necessary.

“Alongside the police, community safety teams and traders themselves, we will continue to work together to ensure the safety of Suffolk’s young people.”

According to Suffolk Trading Standards, 2011 saw a major breakthrough in cutting underage alcohol sales across the county.