Police target under-age drinking

Police are to use young people in "sting" operations to catch shops and bars selling alcohol to under-age drinkers, ministers announced today.

Offending outlets and venues could also be named and shamed as part of a new offensive against alcohol-fuelled violence. The move comes as Home Office crime figures were expected to show alcoholrelated crime is a serious problem across the country.

Those seen as encouraging under-age and binge drinking, particularly at weekends, now face tough new action in the move ordered by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears was unveiling the clampdown during a visit to O'Neill's bar in Upper Street, Islington, today.

Four out of 10 men and 22 per cent of women admit to binge drinking - defined as at least one bottle of wine in a session.