A crackdown has been launched on traders illegally selling alcohol and spray paint to under-age youngsters.

The move comes from West Sussex Trading Standards, who have highlighted their concerns as part of National Consumer Week.

During the summer, 64 checks were made at stores and off-licences across the county using young undercover volunteers to test the number of illegal alcohol sales.

Seventeen sales, 26 per cent, were made to 14 and 15-year-old volunteers at premises in Barnham, Burgess Hill, Crawley, Haywards Heath, Horsham, Littlehampton, Petworth, Selsey and Worthing.

During October, checks were carried out to determine the number of illegal sales of aerosol spray paint to youngsters under 16.

Out of the eight premises checked in Worthing, Lancing and Shoreham, four under-age volunteers were sold the paint.

Lionel Barnard, county council cabinet member for public protection, said: "I am concerned about these sales because of the clear links to binge drinking and antisocial behaviour such as graffiti painting.

"I would encourage parents and the public to tell the trading standards service when they suspect sales are being made to under-age youngsters."

Head of trading standards Patrick Bligh-Cheesman said: "In most cases the under-age sales have been made by an employee rather than the owner or licensee.

"This indicates retailers are not insisting their employees ask to see proof of age."

Trading standards can be contacted on 01243 642125.

Monday, November 7 2005