Booze warning for Ottery underage drinkers

ADULTS who supply underage Ottery youngsters with booze face on the spot fines and could end up in court- police have warned.

Last Friday police confiscated a "large quantity" of lager from 16-year old youths- who said they were carrying it for 18 year-old friends- on two occasions.

The incidents in Saddlers Lane and the Land of Canaan have led to concerns that, as weather improves and evenings draw longer, Ottery could fall victim to an alcohol-fuelled spate of anti-social behaviour where youngsters' safety could be at risk.

PC Phil Thomas told the Herald: "We are concerned that adults may well be supplying alcohol to minors.

"There is no doubt that minors under the influence of alcohol in a public place are vulnerable and they are also more likely to commit offences and anti-social behaviour

"Offenders should be warned we are taking a proactive approach and anyone found to be committing this offence will be issued an �80 fixed penalty ticket, a second instance will result in court proceedings."

"Additionally the Licensees Association will consider banning such individuals from all local licensed premises.

"I also know the parents of such individuals must know that their young son or daughter are drinking alcohol whilst out. I would urge them to take some responsibility for their child."

"The local shops have been very good on asking for ID from youngsters buying alcohol, we have given them a heads up on this. Some who suspect adults are buying alcohol for underage kids have refused to serve them and I admire this."

- AN OTTERY teenager who dumped litter in a bush when she was five yards from a bin was handed a �50 fine last Friday.

Police saw the 16-year old female throw a can of drink into shrubs in the Land of Canaan and immediately issued her out a fixed penalty notice.