THE problem of under-age drinking in South Lakeland is being tackled by a high-profile police campaign to trap licensed premises that sell alcohol to children.

As part of the national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, police will be carrying out test purchase operations on pubs, clubs and off licences, which involve sending an undercover' youngster to try to buy alcohol under the eye of the law.

Inspector Mike Forrester said: "This tactic has proved very successful with regard to off licences and research indicates that people under 18 are being allowed entry and are being served alcohol in some licensed premises in the area."

Since the national alcohol campaign was launched in July, police have already made more than 300 visits to pubs and clubs and dozens more to off licences. Sergeant Ernie Foster said the operation was a means for the authorities and the licensees to work together to combat the problem.

"This is a joint approach between licensees and police. There is a definite link between under-age drinking and anti-social behaviour and there is also a big health issue as there have been occasions where we have had to take youngsters to A&E because of alcohol," he said.

Vince Pearson, assistant manager of the Fleece Inn, Kendal, welcomed the police initiative.

"Everyone who works here is aware of the dangers. We had a staff meeting to warn everybody to be vigilant," he said.

The Fleece Inn employs door staff at weekends who act as spotters, seeking out potential under-age drinkers. Mr Pearson admitted, however, that when young people were dressed up for a night on the town it could be difficult to tell their age.

"Nobody's perfect but if we serve someone who is under-age we are all liable to be fined. It's just not worth the hassle."

Linda Williams, sales assistant at Wine Cellar, on Highgate, Kendal, also hoped that the increased police activity would scare under-age drinkers away, although one of their biggest problems was adults buying drink for juveniles.

"Sometimes when we get people coming in several times a night for small amounts of drink we get suspicious and refuse to serve them," she said.

Insp Forrester stressed the urgency of dealing with licensed premises serving alcohol to youngsters.

"Positive action is necessary to tackle this issue."