Licensed retailers in Wantage and Grove are backing efforts to help prevent underage sales of alcohol and the associated anti-social behavior.

17 staff across 7 licensed premises attended a training session organised by the Wantage and Grove Community Alcohol Partnership (CAP) as part of the local project to tackle underage drinking.

The free session, which took place at Grove Methodist Church on Thursday 1 October provided retail staff with advice on how to challenge minors attempting to buy alcohol, and over 18s trying to buy alcohol on their behalf.

Free materials such as Challenge 25 posters and log books for monitoring attempted underage purchases were also provided.

Russell Sharland from CAP who provided the training, said: “It was great to see so many people attend the course. They were already a knowledgeable group but hopefully they picked up some extra information that will help further reduce the likelihood of an underage sale occurring in the future””

Cllr Sandy Lovatt, Cabinet Member for Community Safety at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “The training was really well received and we hope it will help retailers and their staff feel more confident about challenging people who may be underage. CAPs work because they tackle the problem of underage drinking holistically by co-ordinated actions focused on education, enforcement and changing public perceptions. This free training session was an important part of the programme and we will be offering further opportunities to attend again in the future”.

Wantage & Grove Street Pastors is a member of the Wantage & Grove Community Alcohol Partnership. Find out more about Community Alcohol Partnerships at www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk