What are you risking buying alcohol for the underage?
"Those who purchase alcohol for children who are not old enough to buy it for themselves face a fine, prosecution and even a ban from their local pubs."
This is the message from partner agencies that are working together in Rhondda Cynon Taf to tackle the continuing problem of underage drinking and associated anti-social behaviour in communities.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, South Wales Police and Cwm Taf Youth Offending Service continue to engage with young people across the county borough on evenings and weekends, raising awareness of the risks of underage drinking, engaging them to spend their free time more positively and confiscating alcohol.
Too many of the young people are admitting that the alcohol, mainly lager, cider and vodka, was brought for them by an adult and, in some cases, their parents.
Known as "proxy" sales, buying alcohol for the underage is an offence and, if caught, you face an on-the-spot fine of £90 or prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.
You will also have a criminal record, which can affect employment and travel prospects and you deal with the knowledge that you are endangering the health and wellbeing and personal safety of the young people you are buying alcohol for. The age limit is in place for a reason!
In Rhondda Cynon Taf, towns have Pubwatch which includes off licenses and pubs or clubs. Pubwatch has an "out of one, out of all" stance.
If you are caught buying alcohol for the underage, you could be banned from all Pubwatch premises in your town, meaning you won't be able to pop into the local off license for a bottle of wine or even enjoy a meal in your local pub.
"Underage drinking, the harm it presents young people and the anti-social behaviour associated with it remains a concern. We know this because residents tell us so.
"A significant partnership effort is in place across Cwm Taf to ensure we are engaging with young people, raising their awareness of the risk they present to themselves and others when they are under the influence of alcohol and encouraging them to spend their time more positively.
"Any alcohol found in the possession of someone who is underage is confiscated and destroyed and, often, young people are taken home to their parents.
"What is concerning is young people telling us the alcohol was brought for them by an adult and, in some cases, their parents.
"When you hand over that alcohol to someone who is not old enough to buy it for themselves, you are directly contributing to the risk they pose to themselves and others when they are under the influence of alcohol.
"If this is not enough to trip your conscience then also be aware if caught you may be fined or even prosecuted..”
