Published: May 3, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea police step up campaign to tackle underage drinking

Burnham-On-Sea police have stepped up their campaign against underage drinking this weekend with alcohol being seized from youngsters on the town's seafront.

The Esplanade has been a no-alcohol zone since 2006 and police have the power to ask under-age drinkers to surrender bottles and cans.

Police swooped on a large group of youths near the town's pier on Friday evening (May 2nd), as pictured here, and asked them to pour away the drink.

The youngsters - all in their teens - were not local and had been visiting the town on holiday.

Designated Drinking Orders are in force in several parts of Burnham and Highbridge, having been introduced in June 2005 to stamp out anti-social drinking in trouble spots. Police can ask for alcohol to be handed over and, if people refuse, they can face arrest or fines of up to £500.

Our photo shows a Burnham police officer watching the youngsters pour away the alcohol on Friday. The faces of the youngsters have been obscured.