POLICE have praised shopkeepers in Yate and Chipping Sodbury for refusing to sell alcohol to children during a targeted operation.

Officers and South Gloucestershire Council’s Trading Standards department employed the help of two teenage volunteers, who clearly looked underage, to test shops’ strictness when it comes to identification.

All 10 of the shops visited in Chipping Sodbury, Coalpit Heath, Frampton Cotterell and Yate refused to sell alcohol to the children.

New Frampton Cotterell PC Finbar Simmons said he was ‘delighted with the result’.

He said: "Alcohol and children do not mix. Drink can make young people vulnerable and it can lead to anti-social and criminal behaviour. Licensees have a responsibility to ensure that alcohol does not fall into the wrong hands, and we frequently test that in operations with our colleagues at the council.

"I'm delighted that all the off-licences did make the proper checks and refused to sell drink to minors, and they will be sent a letter of appreciation."

Cllr Heather Goddard, executive member for community services, said: "This check shows that the majority of retailers and their staff are taking their responsibilities properly and checking young people for proof of age before serving them with alcohol.

"Those that refused to sell alcohol are making their neighbourhood a safer and better place to live."

Anyone selling alcohol to an under-18 or buying on behalf of a minor could be fined up to £5,000.

Anyone with concerns about under-age alcohol sales should contact the neighbourhood team at Chipping Sodbury police station on 0845 456 7000 or South Gloucestershire Council's Trading Standards 01454 868009.