SHOPS in Kendal and Ulverston have been praised for refusing to sell alcohol to young teenagers.

Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards team joined forces with Cumbria Police this week to stamp out under age sales in South Cumbria.

est purchasing operations were carried out where two 15-year-old volunteers visited nine retailers in Ulverston and five in Kendal in an attempt to purchase alcohol.

All of the retailers tested successfully challenged the teenagers and all sales were refused.

The exercise included a number of “proxy” alcohol attempts. This is where a child asked a person over the age of 18 to purchase alcohol on their behalf. On each occasion the sale was refused.

Angela Jones, Cumbria Trading Standards Manager, said: “I am very pleased that all the retailers tested refused both direct sales of alcohol and proxy sales.

"Current research indicates that proxy supply of alcohol to children by adults still substantially contributes to the access young persons have to alcohol. I would urge any adult who is asked to buy alcohol for individuals under the age of 18 to think carefully about their actions - it is an offence for which they can be prosecuted.”

Anyone with information regarding the possible illegal sales of alcohol, tobacco, knives, butane gas or other age restricted products can contact Trading Standards via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06 or Cumbria police on 101.