POLICE are appealing to off-licence owners and their staff in Herne Bay to join them in a campaign to combat under-age drinking in the town.

Last Friday night officers seized 69 cans of alcoholic drink, bottles of spirits and bottles of soft drink mixed with alcohol from young people as part of Kent Police’s Safer Streets initiative to tackle crime and disorder.

Officers from the Herne Bay neighbourhood team worked in uniform and plain clothes, particularly trying to identify older teenagers and adults who are buying alcohol for the younger age groups.

A 17-year-old Herne Bay boy who was warned during the evening and had alcohol seized was later caught supplying youths with cans of alcohol. He was due to visit Herne Bay police station to talk to officers with his parents.

Ch Insp Lee Russell, district commander for Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable, said: “We recognise the pressures that retail outlets are under but we want to work with licensed premises in ensuring that the purchase of alcohol for those under age is prevented.

“From our operation last Friday it is clear that some off-licences are allowing alcohol to be sold to those under age and we will not hesitate to enforce the Licensing Act against those who operate outside it.”

Neighbourhood officer for the Heron ward of Herne Bay, PC Kevin O’Rourke, said it was obvious during the evening that off-licence staff are not asking for identification and sales were being made to those who did not look 18.

He stressed: “If we had not seized the alcohol then I am sure that we would have seen criminal damage and assaults as this is what seems to have been happening on Friday evenings."

Last Friday’s operation followed one at the end of last month during which officers seized alcohol and took names and addresses from 36 young people drinking in the town.