MORE than half of the Bridgwater pubs and clubs tested in an underage booze crackdown sold alcohol to minors.

Somerset County Council's trading standards team and Avon and Somerset Police asked underage volunteers to try purchasing alcohol at nine venues in Bridgwater, and they succeeded at five.

That means 56% of the town's venues sold alcohol to youngsters, compared to the county average of 24%.

Neither police nor trading standards would name the venues involved, as investigations into possible action are ongoing.

Bridgwater Insp Shane Carey said: “This operation is part of our on-going efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, which can be linked to under-age drinking.

“It is not just a question of the greater potential for youngsters to get involved in anti-social behaviour, but the increased risk of them becoming victims of crime of accident themselves.

“Children are much more vulnerable under the influence of alcohol.”

Those found selling alcohol to underage people face an on-the-spot-fine of £80 and could be fined up to £5,000, receive a criminal record and lose their alcohol licence.

Insp Carey added: “We will continue to carry out these joint operations to reinforce the message that selling alcohol or other age restricted goods to people underage is illegal and unacceptable.

“It is also an offence for anyone over 18 to buy or attempt to buy alcohol for anyone underage.”