ADULTS could face a fine of up to £5,000 and a criminal record if they are caught in Torfaen buying alcohol for underage children.

As part of an ongoing crackdown, officers from Torfaen Trading Standards and Gwent Police are targeting adults who buy alcohol for people under the age of 18.

This means that shop staff caught selling drink could face prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000, plus any adult caught passing on alcohol could end up facing the same penalties.

This aims to address incidents where underage children, who have been refused alcohol from a shop, wait outside and ask passing adults to buy the alcohol for them. All off-licences in the area have been advised to be vigilant about the issue.

In addition, surveillance operations and test purchasing will take place at offlicenses across Torfaen and test purchasing will also continue.

Trading Standards chief Steve Whitehouse said: “We would like to appeal to members of the community and ask them to consider the implications of buying alcohol for young people.

“Not only could they end up with a criminal record and a large fine, but they are also contributing to the effect these young people are having on the local area.

“In many cases, alcohol plays a large part in fuelling anti-social behaviour problems and lowlevel disorder,” he said.