Under-age drinkers in mid Essex and licensed premises which supply them, are being targeted by police.

Concerned members of the public have called police to tell them about under-age schoolchildren swigging alcohol in Chelmsford, Maldon and South Woodham Ferrers parks and other open spaces.

Now, apart from surveillance, police are to mount a campaign using young people sent in to make "test purchases".

The test purchasers will be youngsters under 18, who are fully briefed by police and accompanied and who are not known in the area where they will attempt to buy alcohol in licensed premises.

Police will also be targeting any youths under 18 found with alcohol in a public place - who will have the drink confiscated. The teen tippler will then have his or her name taken and parents will be informed.

Schools will be visited as part of the campaign and local nightclubs will also ensure that their own strict checks on age are reinforced.

Martin Reed, Chelmsford Police licensing officer said: "The attitude of many to under-age drinking is much more lenient than to the danger of drugs.

"The aim of this campaign is to highlight the dangers of excessive alcohol and to prevent young people from obtaining it.

"The strength of some of the new small 330ml bottles of 'designer' drinks can be almost as strong as three single whiskies"

The campaign will last for three months and the licensing officer wants licensees to realise their responsibilities.

Walter Jenkins, past chairman of Chelmsford and District Licensed Victuallers Association said there might be one or two "getting away with it" but most were aware of their social responsibilities.

He said training had increased for licensees who were aware licenses could be revoked.

Mr Jenkins, said he welcomed and supported police campaigns and recognised under age-drinking could cause problems.

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