Calls to penalise under-18s that buy alcohol

Michael Kheng says the on-trade is “always targeted and blamed” for underage sales of alcohol yet those that commit the crime are “never, or rarely, penalised”.

With many outlets investing heavily in preventative measures, the petition calls for the police to issue fixed-penalty notices to under-18s committing the offence.

Currently, a member of bar staff or the licensee
could be given an £80 on-the-spot fine for serving alcohol to anyone under-18. The licensee could also face a licence review, and a fine of up to £20,000.

Kheng said: “If a 16-year-old in every town who tries to buy alcohol gets a £50 fine for it, how quickly will that spread around the school?”

If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, the issue will be debated in Parliament. To sign it, visit http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/34321​