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On one of his regular visits to Borehamwood's high street, police licensing officer for Hertsmere Des Michael chats to pub landlords and managers of off-licences to find out the issues of the week.

Since taking on this role two years ago Mr Michael has worked hard to overcome the problem of underage drinking. He said: "As soon as I started I could see the biggest problem was youngsters drinking in the streets and parks. We found alcohol was predominantly coming from independent off-licences.

"But with information and regular meetings we have helped to significantly reduce this.

"Now the big concern is the number of adults who seem willing to purchase alcohol for youngsters.

"This is a really difficult offence to police. For us and for shopkeepers as well."

The police and council have several initiatives to try to stop youngsters getting hold of alcohol including the Challenge 21 scheme, where everyone who looks under-21 is asked for ID.

Also all licensees are given a folder showing the regular offenders and are told to report any suspected cases of adults buying alcohol for those under-18.

Once an incident has been reported, the authorities can raise an antisocial behaviour penalty notice and fine the offender. The fine levied is likely to be between £50 and £80, depending on the severity of the incident.

Rizwan Raza, manager of Circle 7 off-licence, in Shenley Road, said: "We used to have lots of problems with young people trying to get hold of alcohol, but since Mr Michael has arrived things have got a lot better. There is much more support.

"There are always some young people trying to buy alcohol but we have been strict and now people know not to try to buy from us.

"But there have been a few incidents of adults trying to buy for children. Once my brother was attacked by a woman who was trying to buy for someone underage."

Pubs, off-licences and restaurants all need a licence to sell alcohol under the Licensing Act 2003.

Hertsmere Borough Council is the licensing authority for the borough.

Phil Andrews, the principle licensing officer at the council, said: "We offer advice about applying for licences as well as helping licensees with any problems they may have keeping to their agreement.

"We also attend Pub Watch meetings so we can help landlords with the challenges they face.

"We encourage and support those who follow the rules but we also make visits to those premises where we believe conditions have been breached or misconduct has taken place."

If caught selling alcohol to underage drinkers, premises risk losing their licence. Sergeant Nat Landau of Hertfordshire Constabulary is the community safety unit manager for Hertsmere.

He said: "Our main responsibilities include acting as a liaison and enforcement.

"If premises are not being managed properly, part of our job is to enforce the legislation. We have a number of options depending on what the breach is.

"We can issue fixed penalty tickets, call a review of the licence or give an informal warning. The more serious the breach the more likely we may have to go for court action."

With more than 300 licensed premises in the borough the council and police cannot work alone.

Mr Michael added: "The police are by definition involved in enforcement, we get far more success through co-operation and prevention.

"Our inter-agency work is crucial and by coming together with the councils, trading standards, licensees and the public, we have a better chance of stopping this problem."

5:53pm Tuesday 22nd April 2008

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