Police in South Denbighshire are urging teenagers to celebrate sensibly ahead of the coming week’s exam results.
Thousands of teenagers across the county will be collecting their A, AS and GCSE results over the coming fortnight and officers are warning that underage drinking will not be tolerated. Extra, high visibility patrols will be put in place, at a time which has often seen an increase in problems linked with under-age drinking.
District Inspector for the area, Dewi Roberts said: “On the 19th August the A and AS level results are released and the following week on the 24th August the GCSE results are released. I would ask young people who have worked hard for their results to celebrate responsibly and for parents to be mindful that AS and GCSE pupils are underage to consume alcohol.
“We obviously want youngsters to celebrate their achievements, but to do so responsibly and sensibly. Their achievements should not be marred by the possibility of committing criminal offences or of becoming victims of accidents or crime due to being under the influence of alcohol.
“We are advising parents not to purchase alcohol for their children and we are also warning that false ID cards will not be tolerated.”
He added: “Many people may not realise that if they buy or attempt to buy alcohol from a licensed premises and are under 18, they may be liable to an £80 fine. People who buy alcohol for someone under 18 can face a maximum fine of £5,000.
“Police officers and PCSOs have the power to seize alcohol from young people under the age of 18 who are found drinking in public places.”
Local licensees have been made aware of the key dates and police will be supporting them to ensure that there are no underage drinking offences.
Inspector Roberts said: “We have recently carried out some work in the area and have issued Fixed Penalty Notices, both to individuals for selling alcohol to underage young people and also to over 18s purchasing alcohol for under 18s. The majority of licensees are responsible and manage their premises to a high standard but we will take action against those who don’t run their premises responsibly. Individuals will be challenged as regards proof of age in both on and off licensed premises”.
Anyone with information regarding under-age drinking should contact their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – [email protected]
