A CAMPAIGN urging adults not to buy alcohol for underage drinkers has been launched across Purbeck.

The community safety team at Purbeck District Council has teamed-up with County Hall and Dorset Police in a bid to stamp out alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour over the festive period.

Posters warning that purchasing alcohol for under 18s is illegal – punishable by a £5,000 fine and a criminal record – have been circulated throughout the district.

These posters carry the stark warning: “Under 18. If your friends buy alcohol for you they are committing a crime. Be a mate, don’t ask them.”

District officials say alcohol-related crime has fallen in Purbeck, but it does still happen. One group particularly affected, councillors say, is under-age drinkers.

Pubs, shops and restaurants across Purbeck have agreed to support the scheme by allowing posters to be displayed on their premises.

Purbeck District Council social issues spokesman Cllr Ali Patrick confirmed: “The amount of alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour has reduced in Purbeck.

“However, it does still happen and, with Christmas approaching, it’s important that we continue to tackle these issues.”

Community safety officers believe under-age drinkers persuade adults to buy them alcohol, a practice known as proxy sale.

This occurs when someone of legal age purchases alcohol and other age-restricted products on behalf of somebody who is underage.

Cllr Patrick said: “Drinking at an early age puts young people in potential danger and can have serious consequences on their health.

“It is therefore extremely important that we all work together to tackle the issue, and I am pleased that our local licensees are supporting this campaign.”