Plan to stop underage drinkers in Newquay

A project to stop adults buying alcohol for underage drinkers has begun in a Cornwall resort.

Police said the scheme in Newquay was aimed at reminding people that it was an offence to buy under 18s alcohol.

During the summer, teams of youth service workers will visit campsites to highlight the dangers. Police said the offence can lead to a £5,000 fine.

The scheme is part of the Newquay Safe Partnership.

Cornwall Council town management specialist Guy Thomas said he was concerned proxy-buying could "undermine the success of the other Newquay Safe projects".

'Vital role'

Leader of the youth service team Michelle Bennett said: "Most of the youngsters do not realise it is an offence to proxy-buy alcohol for under 18s.

"Our teams are very experienced in youth engagement and we feel it is a vital role that youth services can provide to help combat this problem in Newquay."

Cornwall Council said the licensed premises were not committing an offence if they sell the alcohol to an adult.

The customer is breaking the law if they are purchasing alcohol to pass on to a person who is under 18, the authority added.

The scheme involves a number of partners including Cornwall Council, Devon & Cornwall Police and the local off-licences and campsites.