UNDER-AGE drinking in York is to be targeted after an undercover operation revealed a number of shops were selling alcohol to children.

North Yorkshire Police and City of York Council's trading standards department are now set to launch a new crackdown following a series of complaints.

Today they issued a warning to retailers after two volunteer 15-year-old girls were able to buy drink at five of seven shops tested.

The two agencies had teamed up in a joint operation to uncover the extent of alcohol sales to youngsters in the city.

They have promised more random tests in the future and also urged parents to be vigilant to help stamp out what is a growing social problem

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, the council's acting executive member for environment, said: "The council is deeply concerned about the health and social damage caused by under-age drinking in the city.

"We are disappointed that some retailers have failed to obey the law, which prohibits the sale of alcohol to the under-18s.

"Such sales cannot be tolerated, particularly when it is a simple step for retailers to ask young people for proof of age before selling alcohol to them."

PC Ashley Fitzhugh, police licensing officer, said: "We will continue to work to combat under-age sales of alcohol.

"Youth crime and disorder is linked to alcohol abuse. The police expect licensees to be strict with young customers. For those who break the law, revocation of their liquor licence may result."

Colin Rumford, the council's head of trading standards and regulatory services, said: "This is the first year we have had responsibility for under-age alcohol sales, and the first time we have conducted an exercise of this type.

"Judging by its success, we will certainly be carrying out more checks of this kind. It's not just up to retailers, but parents also need to be vigilant to prevent under-age drinking in the city."

Updated: 12:03 Saturday, December 14, 2002