A NEWSAGENT owner has warned adults who buy alcohol for under-18s that they risk a criminal conviction.

Michael Rowe of Rowes Newsmarket in Wantage has said all retails face a challenge in trying to single out people buy alcohol for others.

He made his comments as part of the the Wantage and Grove Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) between councils and police launched last year.

Mr Rowe said: "The vast majority of licensed premises take their responsibilities very seriously and are very vigilant about preventing sales of alcohol to under-18s.

"It makes life very difficult for retailers when adults come in and legally buy alcohol from us only for them to pass it on to some underage teenagers waiting up the street.

"It's good to see that the CAP is trying to educate adults that this isn't just illegal, it's unacceptable"

Thames Valley Police has said it is "clamping down" on so-called proxy sales in a bid to tackle underage drinking and anti-social behaviour.

An adult caught buying alcohol for youngsters faces an on-the-spot fine of £90, and in the most serious cases they could be charged with a criminal offence.

The warning follows on from free retailer training sessions run by the CAP.

Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet member for community safety Sandy Lovatt said: "There is concern that as it becomes more difficult for young people to buy alcohol directly, they are asking older friends, family members or even strangers, to buy it for them.

"Those who buy alcohol on behalf of under-18s need to know that they are committing a criminal offence that has consequences for the entire community."