Police get increased powers to confiscate alcohol

Introduced under the Policing and Crime Act, passed in November 2009, the powers also allow police to move on groups of young people and create a new offence for under-18s of persistently possessing alcohol in a public place.

Meanwhile the requirement for committing the offence of persistently selling alcohol to under-18s has changed from three strikes within three months to two strikes in the same period.

Schools minister Vernon Coaker said: "We are backing up this enforcement with prevention and support for young people by providing them with activities and places to go to, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, so they have positive alternatives to drinking.

"We are committed to helping families work together to build safe and sensible relationships with alcohol, however for the minority of young people still looking to purchase alcohol, these powers give police the ability to take swift action."

Simon O’Brien, Association of Chief Police Officers lead on licensing, said the new measures are welcome: "The ability to remove alcohol from underage drinkers and take action against those who, through vulnerability or lack of personal responsibility, regularly misbehave under the influence of alcohol will assist the police in dealing with the complexities of alcohol misuse and misbehaviour."

The new powers form part of the wider government strategy to tackle underage drinking and associated crime and disorder, set out in the Youth Alcohol Action Plan.

Guidance has also been published for police forces setting out exactly how the powers should be used.