Hall & Woodhouse back campaign against proxy purchasing

Dorset brewer Hall & Woodhouse is backing a campaign highlighting the problem of adults buying alcohol for under-18s.

The brewer said it was backing the Blitz Wize campaign to "highlight a key social problem that our pubs often get left to deal with".

Proxy purchasing of alcohol by adults for minors can result in an £80 fine for the offender or a fine of up to £5,000 in court.

Posters will be distributed to every off-licence in Dorset, supported by bus shelter advertising, as part of the campaign which is tied into Project Blitz - a wider initiative to tackle alcohol-related issues in Dorset.

Mark Woodhouse, vice chairman of Hall & Woodhouse, said: "Producers and retailers of alcohol cannot ignore the issues that currently surround them.

"The vast majority of alcohol is consumed legally and responsibly, but we are very keen to play our part in the reduction of alcohol related anti-social behaviour.

"Project Blitz is a great initiative that has made a visible difference in Dorset, and we are delighted to be able to help highlight a key social problem that our pubs often get left to deal with."

Project Blitz's Sgt. Nikki Billington of Dorset Police said: "It wasn't so long ago that young people could quite easily buy alcohol themselves, but things have changed somewhat over the last few years.

"With the introduction of proof of age cards and frequent test-purchasing operations, buying alcohol underage is no longer so easy.

"Consequently, young people are now more inclined to ask older friends or relatives to buy it for them.

"This phase of Blitz is all about making people aware that it's illegal to buy alcohol for minors - and that anyone who does could receive a substantial fine."