Licensees have welcomed research showing young people are five times more likely to buy alcohol from shops than from pubs.
A study revealed 52 per cent of 10 to 19 year olds in deprived areas get their alcohol in corner shops, off-licences and supermarkets, while just 9 per cent buy from pubs or bars.
The poll, from government-funded youth programme Positive Futures, quizzed 1,250 youngsters about their drinking habits as part of a project aimed at cutting youth crime.
Local shops and supermarkets were found to be the biggest source of alcohol for young people, followed by family members at 22%.
The study also showed youngsters were more likely to drink in the street, local park or at home than in pubs, bars or clubs.
Licensee David Hayes of the Garsdale in Bury, Lancashire said: "The figures don't surprise me one little bit. We are the responsible retailers and the corner shops and supermarkets are the problem.
"But licensees are held responsible for underage drinking and the Tescos of this world aren't being brought to bear."
Kim Harris of the Brown Cow Hotel in Ackworth, Pontefract added: "There is not enough emphasis being put on underage people getting alcohol in shops."