A man has been fined £90 for supplying alcohol to an under-age drinker during an operation in Bishop Auckland. He was given the fixed penalty notice during a crackdown on under-age drinking and associated anti-social behaviour on Friday 24th October.
The multi-agency StaySafe operation was carried out in Bishop Auckland town centre following concerns raised by local people.
Focusing on the recreation ground, the activity involved Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Policing Team, the force’s alcohol harm reduction unit, Durham County Council licensing officers, Durham County Council Trading Standards, neighbourhood wardens, 4Real, which is the young persons’ alcohol and drug service, and local youth workers.
Groups of youths were spoken to and alcohol was seized, both from under 18s and from young adults who might supply alcohol to under-age drinkers.
Five intoxicated 14 year-olds were taken to a place of safety where, together with their parents or carers, they were given advice from 4Real.
Alcohol seized included 50 cans of lager and three bottles of vodka, as well as spirits mixed with soft drinks in plastic bottles, dip-tested to establish the presence of alcohol.
A quantity of drugs were seized after a 17 year-old youth and an 18 year-old man travelling in a car were stopped.
The youth was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and possession of drugs with intent to supply, and the 18 year-old on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.
StaySafe operations are carried out primarily to safeguard young people who are drinking and placing themselves in situations that may put them at risk of harm. The aim is to educate young people and local retailers about the harm posed by alcohol and, where there is evidence, police will carry out enforcement.
Anyone with information regarding under-age drinking can contact the ARIES team at – aries@durham.pnn.police.uk or CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
Follow Operation ARIES on Twitter @aries_durham.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
