Police in Chapel-en-le-Frith and Whaley Bridge are warning parents about the risks of giving youngsters alcohol.

Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood policing team have raised concerns after they seized a large amount of alcohol from groups of youngsters following the Whaley Bridge bonfire on Saturday, November 6.

Team Sgt. Tim Barlow said: “Following the bonfire in Whaley, we seized a large amount of alcohol from youngsters who stayed around the area after it had finished and we suspect that, from the type of alcohol we seized, that it had been brought from home rather than purchased by the youngsters from off licensed premises.

 It is irresponsible and disappointing that parents have provided youngsters with alcohol.” 

He added: “We accept that some youngsters have taken the alcohol without their parents’ knowledge but worryingly a significant number that have been supplied with the alcohol by parents or other adults.”

Supplying alcohol for an under 18 can carry an on the spot fine of £80 and if the matter goes to court, a fine of up to £5,000. 

In September, a 20-year-old man from New Mills was given an £80 fine for buying two cans of lager for youngsters aged 14 and 16. 

Sgt. Barlow said: “If you provide alcohol for a youngster then you are breaking the law. You risk a fine and even prosecution, but more importantly you are putting their safety at risk.”

To contact your local Safer Neighbourhood policing team call 0345 123 33 33 or email chapel.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.