Denbighshire County Council is one of a number of authorities across Wales that has been accredited by police to issue fixed penalty notices to licensees for selling or supplying alcohol to under 18s.
This will allow Trading Standards officers to issue £80 penalty notices – a power that was only available to police officers in the past.
Denbighshire Trading Standards received the accreditation during a ceremony in Newport today (Thursday).
Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Communities, said: “We are delighted that we have been given these extra powers to help us in our campaign to tackle underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour.
“Trading standards officers already arrange test purchasing exercises to see whether bars, pubs and clubs in our county have a strict policy of not selling alcohol to under 18s. This work will continue, but these extra powers will assist us in this important area of work.
“It’s important to get the right mix of educating licensees and taking enforcement action against those responsible for underage sales. Reducing anti-social behaviour is one of our key priorities and working with our partners on the Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership, our aim is to improve the health and well being of our young people and improve the quality of life for residents.”
Councillor Cefyn Williams, Chair of Denbighshire’s Licensing Committee, said: “I am 100% behind this new initiative and we are hoping for a good outcome. We need to stamp out underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour and this will go a long way to achieving that aim.”
