A STING operation is underway across Torfaen in the biggest ever crackdown on rogue licensees and drink-related anti-social behaviour. Torfaen Trading Standards team are targeting traders who sell alcohol to under 18s.

They will be accompanying young volunteers, who are being sent into stores to try and buy alcohol.

The move is part of a Wales-wide operation in which trading standards teams have been backed by £42,500 from the Home Office.

Since the new licencing laws came into effect at midnight last Thursday, Trading Standards teams are now listed as a responsible authority and can ask for a review of a licence at any time.

Police will also be carrying out similar test purchasing at pubs and off licences in the area.

A premises caught selling booze to youngsters could face fines of up to £5,000 and they risk having their licences revoked.

But young people trying to buy alcohol can also be punished - they face on the spot £50 fines and could even have to pay £1,000 on conviction. Steve Whitehouse, Head of Torfaen Council's Trading Standards team, said: "This is a reminder to shop owners that it is a serious offence to sell alcohol to under 18s. There is evidence that this leads to anti-social behaviour among young people. We have had several successful prosecutions in the last two years but we know there is still a problem. The local community can also help by telling us if they know of any places, which are flouting the law. Law abiding businesses will have nothing to fear. We are looking to catch the places that flout the law. The message is simple, if you are in any doubt over someone's age do not sell them alcohol unless they produce identification."