The Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership is launching a crackdown on adults who purchase alcohol on behalf of under 18s.
An awareness raising campaign has started which will be followed up by an operation to tackle so-called ‘proxy purchasing’.
The campaign aims to inform and educate people that it is illegal to purchase alcohol on behalf of under 18s and there are penalties for those who do.
Posters and leaflets are being distributed to shops and off licences across Neath Port Talbot which ask: “Is it worth being labelled a criminal?”
Radio adverts will also highlight how adults are sometimes asked by youths to buy alcohol on their behalf. The campaign warns adults they risk being given an on-the-spot fine of £80 and informs them that under-age drinking fuels crime and anti-social behaviour in their community.
Inspector Mark Lenihan of the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership said: “Tackling proxy purchasing of alcohol is an important way of preventing alcohol getting into the hands of youngsters.
“We acknowledge that the vast majority of licence holders in Neath Port Talbot are very responsible and do not sell alcohol to those under the age of 18.
“This contributes to young people then asking adults to buy alcohol on their behalf. We are calling on adults to play their part in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the community.
“Our message to any adult who is asked to buy alcohol on behalf of a child is simple: Just say no.”
Education is the first part of the campaign, which will then turn its attention to enforcement in the weeks and months ahead.
PC John Williams, licensing officer for Neath Port Talbot, added: “Often when young people drink alcohol, they go on to take part in anti-social behaviour. This obviously affects local communities and I would appeal to adults to think about the many consequences that underage drinking can pose and not to buy alcohol for young people.
“Our enforcement will see us targeting hotspot areas to ensure that the message is getting through and adults are saying no.”
