by Ewan Turney
More than 5,500 sting operations will take place ahead of Christmas as part of the biggest-ever blitz on rogue licensees and drunkenness.
The Home Office has a budget of £2.5m to help fund the clampdown on alcohol-fuelled disorder.
Trading Standards departments have been given £350,000 to fund sting operations where under-age volunteers will try to buy alcohol.
The 5,500 operations will be in addition to any planned by police. Those caught serving children face tough penalties.
The maximum fine for selling alcohol to under-18s increases from £1,000 to £5,000 as of 24 November.
Any member of staff caught serving someone under 18 could be landed with an £80 fixed-penalty fine.
Trading Standards is now listed as a responsible authority, meaning departments will be able to call for a review of the licence at any time.
Licences could be suspended, altered or even revoked.
Youths caught trying to buy booze can also be fined £50 and could receive up to a £1,000 levy on conviction.
'Selling alcohol to under-18s is not only irresponsible but a criminal offence,' said Home Office minister Paul Goggins.
'Those caught breaking the law must take responsibility for their actions and face the consequences.
'Shopkeepers and licensees can expect an undercover visit from Trading Standards and police over the festive period.'
During the summer, 909 sting operations took place across 25 towns - with 52% of pubs targeted serving under-18s.
'These failure rates are too high,' said Goggins.
'My message to retailers and licensees is clear - get your house in order and stop selling alcohol to kids under 18.'
Trading Standards Institute chief executive Ron Gainsford added: 'Retailers must ask to see a Proof of Age Standards Scheme-approved card.'
Graeme Cushion, of licensing solicitors Poppleston Allen, urged hosts to train staff to ask for ID and refuse to serve drunk people.
'It is a difficult time of year, premises are busy and customers may be more keen than usual to have a few extra drinks.
'You must, as always, ensure your staff are trained, not only in issues relating to under-age sales, but also in not serving individuals who have consumed too much alcohol.'
