MAGISTRATES have been criticised over fines imposed on an off-licence which sold alcohol to a 15-year-old girl.

Councillor Barry Coppinger, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for public protection, said he was "angered and disappointed" over penalties imposed on an off-licence in the town which sold alcohol to the teenager.

Teesside magistrates heard that the girl, who was working under cover with the council's trading standards department, was not asked how old she was when she bought alcohol at the off-licence.

Magistrates fined the licensee £100 and ordered him to pay £100 costs while the shop assistant was fined £50 with £50 costs.

"I am really disappointed by the fines imposed," said Coun Coppinger at the weekend. "They do not reflect the seriousness of the offence and the level of public concern over under-age drinking - and the fact it often fuels anti-social behaviour. I am afraid the magistrates have let local people down.

"We see the courts as an important partner in ensuring that people who live, work and visit Middlesbrough are safe and secure and can enjoy peace of mind. It is vital they impose appropriate sanctions which reflect the gravity of an offence and its impact on the Middlesbrough community.

"We want to work with them to achieve a safer town, and are certainly ready to share with them our views on this and other issues affecting community safety in the town."

The council is to launch an electronic proof-of-age scheme in stores in the town which sell alcohol.

Connexions cards, which include the holder's age, are already issued by most secondary schools. Colleges and workplace training schemes can also make the card available.

It emerged at the weekend that electronic card readers, which enable shop workers to check the exact age of a card holder, are being installed in shops in five Middlesbrough wards where under-age drinking has been linked to anti-social behaviour.

They are in Gresham, Coulby Newham, Acklam, Beckfield, Kader, and Ladgate wards.

The Safer Middlesbrough crime and disorder partnerships is putting more than £2,000 into the electronic reader scheme.