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Hefty Fines set for under-age drinkers Young people caught under-age drinking by the police can now be fined £80 on the spot. Under powers that came into force on 1 November 2004, fixed penalty notices can be issued for offences including underage drinking, shoplifting for the first time and minor criminal damage. Police will continue to arrest in more serious cases or where they suspect drug addiction. Home Office minister Hazel Blears said that the fines would make people think twice about committing minor offences. ‘Vandalising property, fouling streets with litter, blind drunk teenagers causing trouble or stealing – this is anti-social, criminal behaviour and a scourge on society’, she said. Home Office figures show that to date, 23,333 penalty notices for disorder (PND) have been issued in England and Wales. The notices can be issued to adults, and 16-17 year olds, and are due to be piloted for 10 – 15 year olds later this year. New Offences for which PND’s can be issued for 1st November include;
People who can’t or won’t pay the fine by a set deadline face a steeper penalty. If they still don’t pay, courts can order the money to be deducted from wages or benefits, or goods to be seized. A custodial sentence is also possible.
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