A SURVEY has revealed that five out of 17 premises in Stockton licensed to sell alcohol, sold drink to under-age youngsters.

Shops across Stockton were targeted by the council's trading standards officers to monitor the sale of age-restricted products to minors.

Volunteers, aged up to 14, assisted the officers throughout a series of under-age purchasing exercises.

Five of the unlawful sales were at large supermarkets in the area.

The council is undecided whether the offending shops will be prosecuted or cautioned.

If prosecuted, the businesses and the employees responsible for the sales could face fines of up to £5,000.

David Kitching, Stockton Borough Council's trading standards and licensing manager, said: "I am greatly disappointed and shocked by these results. Traders cannot afford to be careless.

"The sale of alcohol to minors is unacceptable, and they must be more vigilant to prevent the sale of age-restricted products."

Councillor Paul Kirton, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "It is completely unacceptable to supply alcohol to children.

"Businesses must ensure they ask for appropriate proof of age before making sales."