Alcohol seized from under-age boozers

11:09am Monday 18th February 2008

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More than 50 bottles and cans of alcohol have been seized and disposed by police from underage drinkers in Poulton this week.

Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Unit confiscated the alcohol from under age drinkers who were on their way to a Valentine's Disco in the town.

Two arrests for drunken behaviour were made during the evening and because of the escalating problems around the town centre the licensee agreed to support the police and the venue closed early just after midnight.

Sergeant Gary Tunstall said: "The disco was for 16-18-year-olds at Club Monaco in Poulton and I must stress that the vast majority of the youngsters who attended were well behaved.

"But there were a handful of youths who spoiled it for everyone else.

"We worked closely with the organisers of the event who had done all they could to make sure it was a safe event for everyone but we were forced to take action against the under age drinkers as part of our commitment to tackle alcohol-related anti-social behaviour which we know is a community concern.

"We hope this sends out a strong warning to youngsters in the Wyre that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Anyone caught drinking alcohol under age will be dealt with, the alcohol confiscated and their parents informed.

"I would encourage parents to make sure they know where their children are, what they are doing and ensure any alcohol at home is securely locked away.

"The police and their partners are tackling anti-social behaviour through initiatives such as this but we need the community to play their part.

"When you see youngsters with bottles of spirits such as Vodka it is particularly worrying as many youngsters don't seem to be aware of the possible dangers of strong alcohol."

He added: "We will continue to target under age drinkers because it is a concern for local residents.

"They have told us that they are delighted to see the stance we are taking."