COMMUNITY safety officials are warning that they will come down hard on anyone caught buying alcohol for a minor.

The message comes after the first fixed penalty notice was issued to an 18 year old female who bought cider for a 14 year old girl who was waiting outside the shop.

She received the £80 fine during a joint operation by officers from Hartlepool Borough Council and Cleveland Police, under the banner of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership.

Intelligence from members of the public and the youngsters themselves has shown that they are getting their alcohol bought by adults who are mostly strangers.

Licensing Officer Ian Harrison said: “We are sending the message loud and clear that it is against the law to buy alcohol for a minor.

“Adults think that they are doing them a favour, but it is their own wallet and reputation that gets hit when they are caught.

“Our operations are part of an overall strategy to reduce the levels of underage drinking. We promote Challenge 21 heavily and carry out undercover checks on licensed premises that may be selling to youngsters.”

Inspector Glen Ward said: “Neighbourhood policing has allowed us to be more visible and accessible on the streets which helps a great deal in tackling underage drinking.

“It is great that we have had our first fixed penalty on an adult. An £80 fine may not appear to be much to some people but it could be significantly more if the matter goes to court.

“We will continue to work with partners to clampdown on any adult who is caught buying alcohol for young people.”

Parents are also being asked to keep a regular check on their own alcohol supplies so they know if any has been taken by their child for their own consumption.