Child 'traps' proposed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Children should be allowed to pose as customers to trap off-licences selling alcohol to under-age buyers, Labour said yesterday. The call came as a leading children's doctor said three out of four emergencies she had encountered at one stage involved drunk adolescents.
Labour's consumer affairs spokesman, Nigel Griffiths, called for a change in the law to allow trading standards officers and police to work with children to make "test" purchases of alcohol. The law allows children, under supervision, to buy cigarettes, adult videos and fireworks. However, it is illegal for children to buy alcohol, so test purchases can not be made, as the children would also be guilty.
Mr Griffiths said he wanted the 1988 Licensing Act to be amended. "Test purchases are an effective and proven deterrent. I cannot understand why Home Office ministers are dragging their feet," he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments