City of York Council is reminding retailers of their tough stance on selling alcohol and other age restricted products to young people.

In a test purchasing survey conducted last week (Tuesday, 16 December and Wednesday, 17 December), four out of thirteen retailers sold alcohol to young people aged under 18 years old.

The council is recommending that trading standards take a hard line with those breaking the law - a move which could see first time offenders prosecuted.

York off licences have been sent an information pack to provide guidance to employers on the law and encourage them to take positive action to prevent underage sales. The council is advising businesses to complete a refusals book to demonstrate they are turning away underage purchasers.

Colin Rumford, head of environmental health and trading standards, City of York Council, said: "Despite our advice and warnings, 30 per cent of the retailers that we recently tested were still selling alcohol to underage purchasers. During the festive season, more young people than usual attempt to buy alcohol underage and York off licences should strictly check the age of a young person before selling alcohol to them."