Half of the sixteen shops visited by teens working for Trading Standards sold alcohol to the undercover youths, Bromley Council revealed this week.  The test purchases were conducted last weekend in shops in Bromley, Biggin Hill and Orpington to determine how difficult it is for under age people to obtain alcohol and tobacco.

Jo Johnson MP, who represents the Orpington constituency, which includes Biggin Hill, said underage alcohol sales were "a real concern".  That's why the government is bringing in new proposals to give authorities much stronger powers to remove licences from, or refuse to grant licences to, any premises that cause problems," he said.

"At the same time, the Government is also doubling the maximum fine for underage alcohol sales to £20,000 and giving police and Trading Standards officers the power to close such premises for up to two weeks, sending a clear message that sales to minors will not be tolerated.  Finally, local councils will be able to charge a late night levy to premises selling alcohol between midnight and six am to pay for additional policing to make our streets safer in areas where there are late night licences."

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