Underage drinkers in Hull to be fined

Underage drinkers in Hull are set to be fined £50 if they are caught trying to buy alcohol.

In one of the first operations targeting underage drinkers directly, Humberside Police says it will be rolling out its initiative in pubs across the town.

The Police working with local venue Magma piloted the scheme by targeting those who were attempting to buy alcohol illegally. Bar staff questioned them about their age and if they failed to prove they were over 18 they received a fixed penalty notice. Six people were fined in the one-night operation for attempting to buy alcohol, one for buying alcohol for an under-18 and one for consuming alcohol underage.

Legally only 16 and 17-year olds can be fined while younger drinkers are generally given a warning.

Peter Del Grosso, owner of Magma Bar, says other police forces should consider doing the same type of operations in partnership with pubs and bars.

"Our feeling is that test purchasing is artificial and doesn't get to the root cause. Underage drinkers are using fake ID to get in and we are being bombarded. This sends a clear message to underage drinkers that now you can be brought to account.

"The whole point of this operation is to send the message out."

Humberside Police licensing officer PC Gary Parker said: "There is an offence that no-one is getting prosecuted for. Bar staff are just doing their job. The bar staff and operators say nothing happens to these people they have thrown out for being under 18.

"This will now roll out to other venues."