§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when was the last occasion on which his Department talked with either senior police officers or magistrates on the problems of under-age drinking;
(2) what further steps his Department intends taking to enforce the laws regarding under-age drinking and the sale of alcohol to young people.
§ Mr. MellorEnforcement of the law relating to the sale of alcohol to, and purchase and consumption of alcohol by, young people on licensed premises is a matter for the police. Recent discussions with the police or magistrates have not focused specifically on the problems of under-age drinking, but if the hon. Member has a particular point in mind I will be glad to consider it.
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§ Mr. Sheermanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prosecutions for selling alcohol to those under-age were initiated in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985 and 1986.
§ Mr. MellorThe available information is given in the following table. Corresponding information for 1985 and 1986 is not yet available.
Persons proceeded against in magistrates courts in England and Wales for selling intoxicating liquor to persons under 18 Year Number of persons proceeded against 1980 439 1981 410 1982 323 1983 307 1984 314