From the Dover Express, 24 July 2003.

Cops in underage booze sting.

OFF-LICENCES in Dover were caught in a sting when police got under-age children to to buy booze from unwary shopkeepers.

Police and trading standards said they ran the joint operation after complaints from members of the public that alcohol was being sold to youngsters.

A police spoke man confirmed several businesses in the town had been caught out, but said they could not be named for legal reasons.

If the owners are charged they could face heavy fines and may have their liquor licences revoked.

South east Kent police revealed test purchases were made in the shops and off-licences and that children were served in every single case.

Sgt John Merritt said: "Underage drinking is a problem across the UK, and south east Kent is no exception. A significant amount of crime and anti-social behaviour is generated by young people under the influence of alcohol."

A police spokesman said: "This has been a successful joint operation so far, but there are still many premises still to be visited by the police and trading standards officers."